MX Linux Forum

Great article and spot on:
https://www.computerworld.com/article/3 ... ndard.html

The good news: lots of Chromebooks are going to be converted to Linux machines.

Mine's already running MX...

mxer wrote: Fri Oct 04, 2019 5:00 am Mine's already running MX...

They make wonderful lightweight Linux laptops and the battery life is very good :)

AntiX on mine. My druthers have switched to chromebooks over regular netbooks because of cost and they work real well on the motorcycle trips using my phone data plan as my router. They pack light and are semi-durable.

rokytnji.1 wrote: Fri Oct 04, 2019 10:02 am AntiX on mine. My druthers have switched to chromebooks over regular netbooks because of cost and they work real well on the motorcycle trips using my phone data plan as my router. They pack light and are semi-durable.

I really like the size of them. And they don't need to be plugged in for hours. I'm glad to see them being made increasingly durable. The school market helped a lot with that. The biggest weakness is the same of all modern laptops--soldered on SSD and Ram.

KBD wrote: Fri Oct 04, 2019 10:01 am

mxer wrote: Fri Oct 04, 2019 5:00 am Mine's already running MX...

They make wonderful lightweight Linux laptops and the battery life is very good :)

Not much storage to speak of though, on most of them anyway.

JayM wrote: Fri Oct 04, 2019 10:08 am

Not much storage to speak of though, on most of them anyway.

Agreed. One way around that is too use an external USB stick as the main drive. I have a 120gb USB with MX on it that I can run a Chromebook off of.

My mom has a Chromebook from 2013 (still gets updates), I haven't got a "support call" from her, we are in 2019. I think that's a pretty good record for a $249.99 device at that time.

Adrian wrote: Fri Oct 04, 2019 10:40 am My mom has a Chromebook from 2013 (still gets updates), I haven't got a "support call" from her, we are in 2019. I think that's a pretty good record for a $249.99 device at that time.

If it hasn't yet, it will start getting pop up warnings that support has ended. It may still work for quite awhile, but as time goes on it will be sketchy running it without updates. For inexpensive devices 5 years support is not terrible, but Chromebooks have gone up quite a bit in price in the past couple of years. But build quality has also improved.

JayM wrote: Fri Oct 04, 2019 10:08 am Not much storage to speak of though, on most of them anyway.

Very true, (& mine is a 2GB ram/16GB eMMC), but it's enough for the O/S & a few files, using an external drive for music & media storage, it seems to work well.

My main use is as a morning internet connection for emails & checking my various forums, so I don't need a lot of storage space.

For daytime use I have a regular laptop upstairs, 4GB ram/160GB HDD, again, music & media, plus online activities is what it's used for, in the main, with a bit of audio recording thrown in.

it's a little-known and curiously (or maybe not-so-curiously) underpublicized fact: Every Chromebook, whether it costs $150 or $1,500, comes with an expiration date attached — a point at which it'll no longer receive software updates and thus won't be advisable to use

and most users wouldn't know that, either, as it's not mentioned anywhere,
- in the limited documentation that they would get with their New Machine.

Auto Update policy:
It's damn-near impossible for any normal person to know how long a Chromebook will continue to receive software updates — because (a) that information isn't listed in any even remotely prominent place, (b) it's not based on when the Chromebook itself went on sale but rather on when the processor inside the system first appeared on the platform ..

and (c) the only place such info is listed is in an obscure help document no typical user would ever encounter (or even realize exists).


maybe, I'd better tell my friend, about this, since He's bought such a beast, this year .. .

For around the price of a midrange Chromebook you can get a decent second-hand or refurbished regular notebook computer whose end-of-life is tied solely to that of whatever OS you install on it and how long its hardware components last. You can use it like a Chromebook for mainly web browsing and "cloud" apps if you want to but it has a lot more flexibility, letting you do whatever you want to within the capabilities of the hardware. If somebody gave me a Chromebook I'd take it but I wouldn't buy one. They're basically just a glorified web browser disguised as a notebook computer.

Besides what JayM said, if you do a little research into installing another OS on a Chromebook you will find that most of them are write protected and you will need to disassemble them to remove a screw inside to allow you to install another OS, some also require a modified BIOS for anything but ChromeOS.

jeffreyC wrote: Sat Oct 05, 2019 8:45 am Besides what JayM said, if you do a little research into installing another OS on a Chromebook you will find that most of them are write protected and you will need to disassemble them to remove a screw inside to allow you to install another OS, some also require a modified BIOS for anything but ChromeOS.

Yes, it can be a harrowing experience for those uncomfortable with getting into the guts of their computer. I'm used to such things and I would not call it "easy".
Yet when accomplished you have a lightweight Linux laptop that should last for years.

JayM wrote: Sat Oct 05, 2019 6:12 am...They're basically just a glorified web browser disguised as a notebook computer.

Basically, yes, but they are lightweight, have faster charging times & longer battery life too - they have their uses - also they start up quite quickly when the O/S is replaced with Linux.

Like KBD mentioned. My free google cloud storage account ( 15 gigs )

works real well on my 16 gig ssd antiX chromebook when online. 32 gig usb drive for offline stiff.

Google finally wised up and added more support to most of their Chromebooks:
https://www.androidpolice.com/2019/11/0 ... e-support/

I read this post with interest.

Someone mentioned taking apart the Chromebook and delving into the hardware.
However this post simply uses command lines:
https://itsfoss.com/install-linux-chromebook/

Is it possible to run MX Linux on a Chromebook without tearing it apart using the above article as a guide?

Curious if anyone has done this or installed via command line.

Thanks.

I do not believe that it is possible without delving into the hardware, not sure, but, and it does entail a lot of work depending on the specific chromebook (delving into hardware, flashing the bios, etc.)I suggest that you try GalliumOS, it's specifically designed for EOL chromebooks - again very chromebook model specific!
But check GalliumOS, and Wiki GalliumOS and related links.
https://galliumos.org/
https://wiki.galliumos.org/Welcome_to_t ... iumOS_Wiki
https://wiki.galliumos.org/FAQ
https://wiki.galliumos.org/Hardware_Compatibility
https://wiki.galliumos.org/Additional_Software
the later specifically for Google Drive integration.
GalliumOS has specific "scripts" to work with chromebook touchpads for typing, etc.
Obviously, you will need to add chromebook-like extensions and apps.

And they no longer call it "End of Life"; they now call it Auto Update Expiration (“AUE”).
Like changing Comcast (tied for #1 as worst company in America) to Xfinity.

Thanks for the links.

In the article it does explain how installation is limited to ubuntu and only on the chromebook. You bring up a good point though of making sure the chromebook can support MX.
I think if I went with a lightweight linux version I would go with antix.
There must be a chromebook out there that supports it - I'll have to look.


In regards to your question, simply go to this link:
viewforum.php?f=104

Above the ANNOUNCEMENTS section (Above first post GUIDE - ASK FOR HELP) will be a button that says: NEW TOPIC.
I think that is what you're asking.

Why don't I think an old Chromebook is such a great deal?
I bought an Asus Zenbook UX31A for $200, put a 1tb SSD in it for $125, so for $335 I have an i5 CPU, 4gb RAM and 1tb.
The housing is CNC milled aluminum, more durable than plastic.
The screen is 1920x1080.

A little more expensive, a lot more capable.

Yeri wrote: Thu Nov 14, 2019 12:32 pm I read this post with interest.

Someone mentioned taking apart the Chromebook and delving into the hardware.
However this post simply uses command lines:
https://itsfoss.com/install-linux-chromebook/

Is it possible to run MX Linux on a Chromebook without tearing it apart using the above article as a guide?

Curious if anyone has done this or installed via command line.

Thanks.

You can install Linux alongside ChromeOS just by using the command line method, but it is somewhat awkward way of doing it, as you first boot to ChromeOS, then into your Linux. This method, of course, still has both O/Ses on the eMMC chip taking up space.

I was one such person who opened up my chromebook to install a full UEFI boot, & I can now install any Linux onto it, just like any other laptop.
I've personally run MX, & now have AntiX on it. Mine is a Toshiba 16GB eMMC chromebook.

jeffreyC wrote: Thu Nov 14, 2019 2:29 pm Why don't I think an old Chromebook is such a great deal?

Thanks.
I see what you're saying, for the a bit more money can get a better laptop experience of better build quality.
I am open to old laptops (looking at Thinkpad 440 128 SSD 8GB for about $320 which is sold by IBM resale online).
Actually bought my current laptop from them and have had no issues. The install of MX will be a lot easier too.

mxer wrote: Thu Nov 14, 2019 2:33 pm I was one such person who opened up my chromebook to install a full UEFI boot, & I can now install any Linux onto it, just like any other laptop.
I've personally run MX, & now have AntiX on it. Mine is a Toshiba 16GB eMMC chromebook.

Thanks. If I can avoid I would like not to open up the gadget since I am less able to do hardwire changes.
Your point about antix is right on for chromebooks since they have litte RAM, if understand, just 2GB Ram. I could use antix as well depending on the machine as it looks like a great lightweight o/s as well.

Yeri wrote: Thu Nov 14, 2019 12:32 pm I read this post with interest.

Someone mentioned taking apart the Chromebook and delving into the hardware.
However this post simply uses command lines:
https://itsfoss.com/install-linux-chromebook/

Is it possible to run MX Linux on a Chromebook without tearing it apart using the above article as a guide?

Curious if anyone has done this or installed via command line.

Thanks.

Yes. I used Crouton on and off for several years, basically running Linux inside of ChromeOS. Most new Chromebooks will run Linux apps now though YMMV.
I disagree with the article saying "Google hates Linux". It's complete BS as Google makes it possible to use Linux apps and they simply lock down the OS for security, but there are several ways to run Linux on the machines.

Yeri wrote: Thu Nov 14, 2019 1:12 pm
In the article it does explain how installation is limited to ubuntu and only on the chromebook.

Not true. I've run Debian via Crouton on my Chromebook, and several other distros are available.

jeffreyC wrote: Thu Nov 14, 2019 2:29 pm Why don't I think an old Chromebook is such a great deal?

It depends. I've bought used Windows machines for around $100 or more off of ebay and they are nice in that you can easily upgrade them and put Linux on them. But they are chunkier, heavier, and less battery life than Chromebooks.
I've bought Chromebooks that are incredibly lightweight and have wonderful battery life. Sleek machines that you can pick up used on ebay from $50 to $80. I only buy intel machines so I know Linux will run on them without issues. The downside is you have to flash the bios for a full Linux install, but if you are willing to use Crouton it's fairly painless to use Linux on them. If you only need a few Linux apps you might not even need to install Linux, but use the Linux apps on ChromeOS.
Google extended the ChromeOS life on most of the machines, some to 6 1/2 years of support. On the last Chromebook I bought they added another year of support.

KBD wrote: Fri Nov 15, 2019 12:07 pm Not true. I've run Debian via Crouton on my Chromebook, and several other distros are available.

Good to kmow. I wondered if that was the writer's own experience or a general rule.

KBD wrote: Fri Nov 15, 2019 12:17 pm Google extended the ChromeOS life on most of the machines, some to 6 1/2 years of support

So after that time there is no support, but with MX Linux (or linux in general) you have ongoing, never-ending support.
I just don't like the concept of a company limiting the timeframe of a product, which is why I started on the whole linux journey to begin with actually, which is to never be restricted.
Win7 support ending in Jan 2020 caused me to find a new solution.

Luckily I found MX Linux, installed it and couldn't be happier with o/s.
Wish I did this years ago.

rather than mess with crouton I took my $58 Acer C720P Chromebook(4gb mem, 32gb ssd). Removed the protect screw inside the unit; flashed the bios and installed GalliumOS; a xubuntu spin tweaked for chromebooks. The unit works fast and is now more functional than it was as a chromebook. I would recommend getting a larger 128 GB M.2 2242 SSD card as Gallium will only leave about 9.4 GB free on a 32GB ssd-Yikes!

boots almost instantly like a chromebook running chrome os.
has the ubuntu/xubuntu appstore via "appgrid".

with C720ps on EBAY for sub $50 and 128gb ssds that fit going for 2 $20 it can become a great little linux laptop.

https://galliumos.org/

Good post.
But why not put MX or antix on your Chromebook? Just curious.

Checking prices it's probably worthwhile to still go with a basic laptop.
I find used computers to be hit and miss unless warranty is available. The model you quoted is $299 on amazon for acceptable condition.
I guess it's how much risk one will take. re: ebay.
Thanks

Gallium is optimized for the weird chrome book keyboard. I got lucky and got my c720p in bulk from a school lease sale. But that model can be found on Groupon for 79 to 99. Mx ran great on an old Toshiba netbook so I'm sure it will run on a chromebook

Ok so it's Gallium that works better on the system.
If I get one I will try antix as someone posted on here they were able to get it to work.

Yeri wrote: Sat Nov 16, 2019 8:40 am Ok so it's Gallium that works better on the system.
If I get one I will try antix as someone posted on here they were able to get it to work.

That was me

https://www.antixforum.com/forums/topic ... -antix-19/

antix or mx should work well on a chromebook; not sure how either will handle the weird keyboard layout. I used gallium largely because it is tailored to chromebooks with different releases depending on processor. i also flashed the bios IAW the instructions on GalliumOs site to be able to boot from USB in order to install. My chromebook boots in seconds like it did when new. I thinks an light linux should work but just like the approach of Gallium. As you can see by my sig; everything else is now MX19

I've had MX running on mine, but it now has AntiX on it, both start up extremely quickly, just like ChromeOS did, but I now have a 'real' Linux on it.

rokytnji.1 wrote: Sat Nov 16, 2019 9:09 am That was me

https://www.antixforum.com/forums/topic ... -antix-19/

Sorry, I read the post, did I miss the instructions for the install? I looked and it's just upgrade of antix.

zarg2 wrote: Sun Nov 17, 2019 1:34 pm i also flashed the bios IAW the instructions on GalliumOs site to be able to boot from USB in order to install.

Thanks for the instructions site, just not sure how comfortable I am in the hardware, (screws etc). I'm leaning towards a cheap laptop.

mxer wrote: Sun Nov 17, 2019 3:23 pm I've had MX running on mine, but it now has AntiX on it, both start up extremely quickly, just like ChromeOS did, but I now have a 'real' Linux on it.

Did you have instructions for how you did it online somewhere? Did you have to go into the computer hardware to install it or just software?
Thanks

I used online instruction for my make of chromebook about removing the write protect screw.

It was quite easy, just take off the bottom of the case, about 6 screws, locate the metal cover, obvious in my case, take it off, scratch off a bit of plastic washer like material, put a tiny bit of insulation tape over a corner of the cover, replace it & the bottom.

Download & install the new UEFI boot system, install your Linux distro.

No matter what if you want a full Linux install on a chromebook you have to:

-remove the write protect(almost always a screw inside the unit).

-Flash a new bios in order to boot from usb.

- install new Linux of choice from USB.


There are "work arounds" to use Linux but as far as I know their is no other path to a full install than that I listed.


It is of course possible to brick a system doing the above but if one reads through all steps precautions I think the margin of failure is small.

My cutoff for making it worth BUYING a chromebook to do this is $60 USD or less(and it needs to have a 32GB SSD or EEmc storage. If one already owns a chromebook that is end of support then it depends on comfort level.

Hey thanks for both for the update.
I am going to take a second look at a cheap Chromebook.

@zarg2
I agree about the cost, in case it doesn't work out but practically if I find a good resource on line it should be ok.

@mxer
Good to know the actual Chromebook has it's own set of instructions.
I will check online before buying.

Thanks again.

Core i3 laptop 4gb 500gb hdd for 45.68 shipped if you just want to install Linux from usb with no fuss.:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Lenovo-Thinkpa ... D&LH_BIN=1


Nevermind- has charger issues,, grrrr

on closer look that unit I posted has issues it goes without saying no matter what you buy read all condition statements closely.

Oh yes, no problem. This is why the source should have a warranty of some sort.
Bu thanks for the link anyway.

Yeri wrote: Mon Nov 18, 2019 9:09 am Hey thanks for both for the update.
I am going to take a second look at a cheap Chromebook.

Cheap Chromebook? Living in USA?

If so, check out Walmart Black Friday deal, Samsung 3 Chromebook for 99$ (same deal was last year and I got one)

Good: 4GB memory
Bad: 16 (ONLY!) GB sodered in storage, but you can add 128GB micro storage card for data
MX18 & MX19 works on it. With decent performance. Using it for travel.

Bad: you will have to do some work, it is not enough to remove back cover. Samsung hides write protection screw on the 'other side' of mother board. Which means, you will need to remove battery and then disconnect everything from motherboard to be able to take it out & flip over to remove it. Then assembly all back. With my bad eyesight and shaky hands I though I'm in trouble, but somehow did it anyway.

Then as described before, you need to:

- turn it on in developer mode and download and install custom bios. I could not get antiX to boot year ago and only few Linuxes and kernels worked. One of them was MX18 with 4.14 kernel. But since then, customized bios got updates and now, MX 18 and 19 works better. (with most Linuxes and most MX other kernels, keyboard didn't work) Only thing that is still not working is build in microphone. (didn't try with external)

Bottom line, I'm happy I got portable, light, with long lasting battery, a MX laptop for only 99$. After one year use I'm still happy I got it. But it will not pass for a daily driver

Hey thanks for the info,
I can order from the US and have it shipped, not a problem, but that sounds like a hell of a lot of work (at least for me as I prefer not to be opening up cases).
The key is to find one that can be modified for a decent price. How do you know whether it requires physical modification or not? That seems to be dependent on the model.
I did look at the GalliumOS website to see what models can be modified but doesn't seem to say any physical modifications are required.

Glad it works for your need though, hope for 5 more years of usage.

Yeri wrote: Mon Nov 18, 2019 1:16 pm 1 - I can order from the US and have it shipped, not a problem
2 - as I prefer not to be opening up cases
3 - How do you know whether it requires physical modification or not? That seems to be dependent on the model.
4 - I did look at the GalliumOS website to see what models can be modified but doesn't seem to say any physical modifications are required.

1 - I don't think you can, it is one day Black Friday Deal, you have to be in the store, that's why I asked
2 - I understand ;-)
3 - well for that model I wrote about, for 99$ on BF in Walmart (Samsung Chromebook 3) you need to, I did plenty of reading, trying to avoid opening it up. That is, if you want native only Linux install. If you don't mind that in the background Google is still running (yuck in my case!!!! lol) then you can always go with 'crouton' installation. I think most Chromium allows this, it is Linux install side by side with all other google stuff (ChromeOS). If you are going this route, make sure you are not getting machine with the least hdd space, since there will be ChromeOS and Linux on it. But you will not need to open the machine and you will not need to install customized BIOS. And (probably) google will still track you... not sure about that but I didn't want to take a chances

So bottom line, choose between 'Chrouton' (or crouton?) without the need to do physical modifications, or clean Linux install that usually require customized BIOS. and for overwriting BIOS you usually need to remove write protection screw on Chromebooks laptops. Typically, I didn't stay informed last 12 months after I got mine and converted it to MX. Newer models may be different. Good luck

Buck Fankers wrote: Mon Nov 18, 2019 2:12 pm If you are going this route, make sure you are not getting machine with the least hdd space, since there will be ChromeOS and Linux on it. But you will not need to open the machine and you will not need to install customized BIOS. And (probably) google will still track you... not sure about that but I didn't want to take a chances

Ah thanks, that is a concise summary. As you mentioned reading and finding the information online is key BEFORE purchasing.
I did read a few posts here and online about making sure the hard drive has enough space. The trick is keeping the costs down, but I will look.
I am not too concerned about tracking as it is mostly for investments and such, but good to have one upstairs and one downstairs as it is a pain working with a short-battery life laptop.

Thanks again.
p.s. ( I see what what ya did with the profile name there.).

Install instructions I used and posted in are over here

search.php?keywords=chromebook

viewtopic.php?f=104&t=42545&hilit=chromebook

RIght, ok thanks a lot. The second link is very helpful.