Chromebooks can now run Linux apps, significantly expanding their capabilities. To enable Linux on a supported Chromebook, go to Settings > Advanced > Developers and toggle on Linux (Testing), which installs a Debian-based environment. Once installed, open the Terminal app and update the package list with sudo apt update. Install apps using sudo apt install [package-name], such as geany, vim, git, python3, or vlc. After installation, GUI apps appear in the app launcher, while command-line tools must be run from the terminal. File access between ChromeOS and Linux is limited, so managing files in /mnt/chromeos or adjusting permissions helps streamline workflow. While not all hardware features are fully supported, the Linux environment offers powerful tools for productivity and development.

Chromebooks used to be limited to just running Android apps and web-based tools, but with Linux app support now built into many models, you can do a lot more. If your Chromebook supports Linux (Beta), installing Linux applications is straightforward — and opens up a whole new world of productivity, development, and customization.

Enable Linux on Your Chromebook

Before you can install Linux apps, you need to turn on the Linux environment. Not all Chromebooks support it, so check if your model does first. Once confirmed:

• Go to Settings > Advanced > Developers, and toggle on Linux (Testing).
• The system will download and install the necessary files — this may take a few minutes.
• Once installed, you'll have a terminal ready to use.

This step sets up a Debian-based container where you can install software like on a regular Linux desktop.

Use the Terminal to Install Apps

Once Linux is enabled, you’ll use the terminal to install apps — much like on Ubuntu or Debian systems. Here’s how:

• Open the Terminal app that appears after enabling Linux.
• Update the package list by typing:
  sudo apt update
• Then install an app using:
  sudo apt install [package-name]

For example, to install the lightweight code editor Geany, you'd type:
sudo apt install geany

Some popular tools you might want to install include:

• vim or nano for text editing
• git for version control
• python3 for scripting and development
• vlc for media playback (if needed)

Launch and Manage Installed Linux Apps

After installation, most apps will appear in your ChromeOS app launcher. Some may not show up right away, especially command-line-only tools, but GUI apps should integrate smoothly.

You can also launch apps directly from the terminal by typing their command (like geany or vlc). Keep in mind:

• File access between ChromeOS and Linux is limited at first — look into /mnt/chromeos for shared storage
• You can move files back and forth manually or adjust permissions later
• Not all hardware features are fully supported yet, depending on your Chromebook model

If you're working with development tools, setting up a dedicated folder in the Linux environment helps avoid permission issues.

Getting Linux apps running on a Chromebook isn't complicated, but there are a few small steps you shouldn’t skip. Once you're past the setup, though, you’ll have a surprisingly capable little machine.

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