How to Run Linux Apps on Chrome OS: A Comprehensive Guide

Chrome OS is a powerful operating system that allows you to run a wide range of applications through the browser, but can it run native Linux applications? The answer is yes! By leveraging the capabilities of Chrome OS, you can indeed run Linux applications, making your Chromebook a versatile development environment. In this article, we’ll explore the process and benefits of running Linux apps on Chrome OS.

Understanding the Capabilities of Chrome OS

Chrome OS is a browser-based operating system that relies on the Chrome browser to provide a user-friendly interface. The Chrome browser acts as the browser of your operating system, allowing you to open and run various web applications. However, Chrome OS can also run full-fledged applications through various methods, including the integration with Linux apps.

Enabling Linux Support on Chrome OS

Chrome OS has a built-in feature that allows you to run Linux apps within a container system. This feature was introduced as a beta feature, making it possible to bypass the limitations of the default Linux distribution on Chrome OS. By enabling this feature, you can run multiple Linux distributions and access a wide range of development tools and applications.

To enable Linux support on Chrome OS, follow these steps:

Go to the settings of your Chromebook. Search for the 'Beta' or 'Experimental Features' section. Enable the 'Run Linux apps' feature. Restart your Chromebook.

Running Linux Apps on a Chromebook

After enabling the Linux app feature, you can now set up a new Linux environment on your Chromebook. Here's a step-by-step guide to install and run popular development tools like Node.js and Ruby on Rails:

Open the terminal application on your Chromebook. Update the package list and install the necessary dependencies using the following commands:

sudo apt updatesudo apt install -y curl

Install the Linux distribution of your choice. For example, Ubuntu:

curl -sSL  -o unzip 

Once the Linux environment is set up, you can install and run your preferred development tools:

sudo apt install -y nodejssudo apt install -y ruby ruby-dev

Now you can start developing on your Chromebook using these tools.

Benefits of Running Linux Apps on a Chromebook

By running Linux apps on a Chromebook, you gain access to a powerful development environment that can rival traditional desktop systems. Some of the benefits include:

Cost-Effective: Getting a Chromebook with built-in support for Linux apps can be a cost-effective solution for developers. Portability: The lightweight nature of Chromebooks makes them perfect for on-the-go development. Security: Chromebooks are designed with security in mind, offering a clean and secure platform for development. Flexibility: You can run a wide range of applications and tools, including those from the Android app store and the Play Store.

Conclusion

In conclusion, running Linux apps on a Chromebook is a practical and efficient solution for developers. With the right setup, you can turn your Chromebook into a full-fledged development machine, leveraging the power of both Chrome OS and Linux. For a more detailed guide, you can read the article Linux apps on Chrome OS: An easy-to-follow guide. Just ensure that your Chromebook meets the necessary hardware requirements to support Linux apps.