Google’s Chrome OS has evolved a lot since its launch in 2011. Initially, the software operated as a purely web-centric platform where everything revolved around the Chrome browser and any apps that could operate.
However, with changes in the IT world, Chrome has evolved into a modern, versatile operating system supporting numerous tools. It can now run on various hardware, connect to Google’s Play Store, runs any Android app available, and is soon expected to run Windows apps.
But the most significant development in Chrome’s history is the ability of the OS to support full Linux apps. Most users may be satisfied with basic Chromebook functionality. For instance, a gambler looking for the best predictions and betting tips online may not require complex apps.
However, professionals like web developers require advanced tools and thus require modern OS supporting many apps.
Why Do You Need Linux Apps on Chrome OS?
Being a cloud computing platform by default, Chrome OS lacks some high-quality desktop apps found on Windows PCs or Macs. For instance, Photoshop and video editing may not be possible on a basic Chromebook and requires Linux apps to perform the projects.
Developers also need Linux coding tools in their work. Not every Chromebook supports Linux apps, but modern ones provide an option for installing these apps. There are basic steps to follow in enabling Linux apps on your Chromebook.
How To Run Linux Apps on Chrome OS
Installing a Linux app involves more than installing Android, but it’s a simple process once you master it. If you do it correctly, you feel like an IT guru, especially where some coding is involved.
The first step is checking whether your Chromebook supports Linux apps. For a Chromebook to support Linux apps, it must run on Chrome OS 69 or newer version.
Follow these steps to determine whether your Chrome OS supports Linux apps:
- Go to the settings app
- Click on About Chrome OS
- Under Google Chrome OS, found on the right pane, check the version of your Chrome OS.
- If the version is lower than 69, update it by clicking the “check for updates” button on the right of “version information.”
- The update will be downloaded and prompt you to restart the Chromebook when complete.
If Chrome already supports Linux apps, turn it on, as it is always off by default. Here you go to settings and follow the follow these steps:
- Click on the Chrome OS settings icon
- Select the “Advanced tab” and click on “Developers.”
- Select “Linux development environment” and click “Turn on.”
The system will prompt you to install Linux on your Chromebook, where you choose a username for the Linux environment. Installation takes a few minutes, and a terminal window appears once complete. You can now download and install Linux apps on your Chromebook.
Downloading and Installing Linux Apps on Chrome OS
Once you are set, you can download and install the Linux apps in two ways – through Debian extension files or the terminal.
Using Debian Extension Files
This is the easiest way to install Linux apps on Chrome OS. Most popular Linux apps can download as a deb file on their webpage.
Once you download the Linux app on the Chromebook, it is saved in the download folder. Start the installation process by clicking on the start file. The installed app will appear in the app drawer.
Although it’s the simplest installation process for Linux apps, Debian extension files may not be available for some apps.
Installing Linux Apps via the Terminal
In this method, you start by opening the terminal entry on the Chromebook drawer. Enter the command sudo apt-get install app name – y, where the app name is the official code name of the app you want to install.
For example, if you want to install GIMP, a photo-editing suite, follow these steps:
- Open the terminal app
- Enter command sudo apt-get install gimp – y. The download and installation process will start, as demonstrated by many text lines appearing in the terminal.
- Once the installation is complete, the terminal goes idle, allowing you to type other commands. The installed Linux app can be found by searching it on the Chromebook search menu.
Some of the best Linux apps for Chrome OS include LibreOffice, Transmission, FileZilla, Evolution, GIMP, and Audacity.