Chromebooks have revolutionized the way we think about laptops, offering an affordable, efficient, and user-friendly alternative to traditional computers. One of the key factors that set Chromebooks apart is their operating system, Chrome OS, which is built on top of the Linux kernel. But have you ever wondered what version of Linux is actually running on your Chromebook? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Chrome OS and explore the Linux version that powers these popular devices.
Understanding Chrome OS and Linux
Before we dive into the specifics of the Linux version on Chromebooks, it’s essential to understand the relationship between Chrome OS and Linux. Chrome OS is an operating system developed by Google, designed specifically for web-based applications and Chromebooks. At its core, Chrome OS is built on top of the Linux kernel, which provides the foundation for the operating system.
The Linux kernel is the heart of the operating system, responsible for managing hardware resources, providing security, and enabling communication between different components. Chrome OS uses a customized version of the Linux kernel, which is optimized for the specific hardware and software requirements of Chromebooks.
The Linux Kernel Version on Chromebooks
So, what version of the Linux kernel is actually running on Chromebooks? The answer is a bit complex, as Chrome OS uses a customized version of the Linux kernel that is not directly tied to a specific kernel version. However, we can look at the kernel version used in different Chrome OS releases to get an idea of the Linux version on board.
| Chrome OS Version | Linux Kernel Version |
| — | — |
| Chrome OS 88 | 4.19.123 |
| Chrome OS 89 | 4.19.137 |
| Chrome OS 90 | 5.4.92 |
| Chrome OS 91 | 5.4.105 |
As you can see, the Linux kernel version used in Chrome OS varies depending on the release. However, it’s worth noting that Chrome OS uses a customized version of the Linux kernel, which is optimized for the specific hardware and software requirements of Chromebooks.
Linux Distributions on Chromebooks
In addition to the Linux kernel, Chromebooks also support running Linux distributions, which provide a more traditional Linux experience. This is made possible by the Crostini project, which allows users to run Linux applications on Chrome OS.
Crostini uses a containerization approach to run Linux distributions on Chrome OS, providing a secure and isolated environment for Linux applications. This means that users can run a Linux distribution on their Chromebook, alongside Chrome OS, without affecting the stability or security of the operating system.
Some popular Linux distributions that can be run on Chromebooks include:
- Debian
- Ubuntu
- Kali Linux
- Linux Mint
These distributions can be installed using the Crostini terminal, which provides a command-line interface for managing Linux applications and distributions.
Enabling Linux on Chromebooks
To enable Linux on your Chromebook, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > Advanced > Developers
- Enable the “Linux (Beta)” option
- Follow the prompts to set up Linux on your Chromebook
Once you’ve enabled Linux, you can access the Crostini terminal by searching for “Terminal” in the Chrome OS app launcher. From here, you can install and manage Linux distributions, as well as run Linux applications.
Benefits of Running Linux on Chromebooks
Running Linux on Chromebooks offers several benefits, including:
- Access to a wide range of Linux applications: With Linux on Chromebooks, you can run a wide range of Linux applications, including development tools, productivity software, and games.
- Improved security: Linux provides a secure environment for running applications, which can help protect your Chromebook from malware and other security threats.
- Customization options: Linux provides a high degree of customization, allowing you to tailor your Chromebook to your specific needs and preferences.
Challenges of Running Linux on Chromebooks
While running Linux on Chromebooks offers several benefits, there are also some challenges to consider:
- Compatibility issues: Some Linux applications may not be compatible with Chrome OS, which can make it difficult to find software that works on your Chromebook.
- Performance issues: Running Linux on Chromebooks can impact performance, particularly if you’re running resource-intensive applications.
- Support limitations: Linux support on Chromebooks is still in its early stages, which means that you may encounter limitations and bugs when running Linux applications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the version of Linux on Chromebooks is a customized version of the Linux kernel, which is optimized for the specific hardware and software requirements of Chromebooks. While the Linux kernel version used in Chrome OS varies depending on the release, users can also run Linux distributions on their Chromebooks using the Crostini project.
Running Linux on Chromebooks offers several benefits, including access to a wide range of Linux applications, improved security, and customization options. However, there are also some challenges to consider, including compatibility issues, performance issues, and support limitations.
Overall, the ability to run Linux on Chromebooks provides a powerful tool for developers, power users, and anyone looking to get more out of their Chromebook. Whether you’re looking to run Linux applications, develop software, or simply customize your Chromebook, Linux on Chromebooks is definitely worth exploring.
What is the Linux version on Chromebooks?
The Linux version on Chromebooks is based on a custom Linux distribution called Crostini, which is a Linux-based virtual machine that runs on top of Chrome OS. Crostini is designed to provide a secure and sandboxed environment for running Linux applications on Chromebooks. The Linux version used in Crostini is typically a customized version of Debian or Ubuntu, which are popular Linux distributions.
It’s worth noting that the Linux version on Chromebooks is not a full-fledged Linux installation, but rather a virtual machine that runs on top of Chrome OS. This means that users can run Linux applications alongside Chrome OS apps, but they cannot replace Chrome OS with a traditional Linux installation. However, the Linux version on Chromebooks provides a powerful tool for developers, programmers, and power users who need to run Linux applications on their Chromebooks.
How do I access the Linux terminal on my Chromebook?
To access the Linux terminal on your Chromebook, you need to enable the Linux (Beta) feature in the Chrome OS settings. To do this, go to Settings > Advanced > Developers > Turn on Linux (Beta). Once you’ve enabled Linux, you can launch the Linux terminal by searching for “Terminal” in the Chrome OS app launcher.
Alternatively, you can also use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Alt + T to launch the Linux terminal. The Linux terminal provides a command-line interface for running Linux commands, installing Linux applications, and accessing the Linux file system. From the terminal, you can run commands, install packages, and configure your Linux environment to suit your needs.
What Linux applications can I run on my Chromebook?
With the Linux (Beta) feature enabled on your Chromebook, you can run a wide range of Linux applications, including popular productivity tools, development software, and games. Some examples of Linux applications that you can run on your Chromebook include LibreOffice, GIMP, VLC Media Player, and Steam. You can also install Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Debian, or Fedora, and run their respective applications.
To install Linux applications on your Chromebook, you can use the Linux terminal to run commands like “sudo apt-get install” or “sudo yum install”, depending on the Linux distribution you’re using. You can also use package managers like apt or yum to search for and install Linux applications. Additionally, you can use the Chrome OS app launcher to search for and install Linux applications from the Chrome Web Store.
Can I run Windows applications on my Chromebook using Linux?
While the Linux (Beta) feature on Chromebooks allows you to run Linux applications, it does not provide native support for running Windows applications. However, you can use third-party software like Wine or CrossOver to run some Windows applications on your Chromebook. Wine is a compatibility layer that allows you to run Windows applications on Linux, while CrossOver is a commercial version of Wine that provides additional features and support.
To run Windows applications on your Chromebook using Wine or CrossOver, you need to install the software on your Chromebook and then configure it to run your Windows applications. Keep in mind that not all Windows applications are compatible with Wine or CrossOver, and some may require additional configuration or tweaking to run properly. Additionally, running Windows applications on your Chromebook may require additional system resources and may impact performance.
How do I share files between Chrome OS and Linux on my Chromebook?
Sharing files between Chrome OS and Linux on your Chromebook is relatively straightforward. By default, the Linux (Beta) feature on Chromebooks provides a shared file system that allows you to access files from both Chrome OS and Linux. You can access the shared file system by navigating to the “Linux files” folder in the Chrome OS file manager.
From the Linux terminal, you can also access the Chrome OS file system by navigating to the “/mnt/chromeos” directory. This allows you to copy files between Chrome OS and Linux, or access files from Chrome OS applications within the Linux terminal. Additionally, you can use the “Files” app on Chrome OS to access and manage files on your Linux file system.
Can I dual-boot Chrome OS and Linux on my Chromebook?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to dual-boot Chrome OS and Linux on a Chromebook in the classical sense. Chrome OS is designed to be the primary operating system on Chromebooks, and the Linux (Beta) feature is intended to provide a sandboxed environment for running Linux applications on top of Chrome OS.
However, you can use third-party software like Crouton or GalliumOS to install a traditional Linux distribution on your Chromebook, which can provide a dual-boot experience. Crouton is a script that allows you to install a Linux distribution on your Chromebook, while GalliumOS is a custom Linux distribution designed specifically for Chromebooks. Keep in mind that installing a traditional Linux distribution on your Chromebook may require technical expertise and may void your warranty.
Is the Linux (Beta) feature on Chromebooks stable and secure?
The Linux (Beta) feature on Chromebooks is still a beta feature, which means that it may not be as stable or secure as the main Chrome OS operating system. However, Google has made significant efforts to improve the stability and security of the Linux (Beta) feature, and it is generally considered to be safe to use.
That being said, as with any beta software, there may be some bugs or security vulnerabilities present in the Linux (Beta) feature. To minimize risks, it’s recommended to keep your Chromebook and Linux installation up to date, use strong passwords and authentication, and avoid installing untrusted software or packages. Additionally, you can use the Chrome OS sandboxing features to isolate your Linux environment and prevent potential security threats from spreading to the rest of your system.