How to install and run Linux Apps in Chrome OS Flex, plus my thoughts on using Google's new PC operating system every day for four months. Video includes setting up a Linux virtual machine, installation of LibreOffice, GIMP, Inkscape, Aisleriot Solitaire and VeraCrypt, and sharing folders.
Note that whilst this video focuses on Chrome OS Flex -- the version of Chrome OS released to install on most x86-64 PCs and laptops -- that what is shown in this video should work on most Chromebooks.
My first Chrome OS Flex video, which details installation, is here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFAg1FkGgMM
My 'Linux Terminal Introduction' video is here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkB-eRCzWIU
And you can download the Veracrypt encryption software here:
https://www.veracrypt.fr/en/Home.html
And my video guide to VeraCrypt is here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XshQWFLfwdA
For additional ExplainingComputers videos and other content, you can become a channel member here:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbiGcwDWZjz05njNPrJU7jA/join
More videos on computing and related topics can be found at http://www.youtube.com/explainingcomputers
You may also like my ExplainingTheFuture channel at: http://www.youtube.com/@explainingthefuture
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:08 Virtual Machine
06:38 More Apps
09:40 Deb Downloads
11:13 File Access (VM share)
14:10 4 Months Later (review)
#ChromeOSFlex #ChromeOS #Linux #ExplainingComputers
Tthank you a lot i have manage to install office in my chrome book using for video
@mohammadalinilforooshan8416 Says:
This video made me think to try Chrome OS Flex on an old laptop!
@dbuwehiwebf Says:
You have the same wallpaper like i chose xD
@martingilligan Says:
Your vids have helped me greatly in rejuvenating an aging Dell PC that was running Windows 10. Thank you.
@thestingyham1188 Says:
Thanks. I like ChromeOS, but I am disappointed in the lack of international printer support. My Epson does not work, and postscript doesn't help.
@satisfying321go Says:
Awesome video very informative.. thank you
@miketyson8275 Says:
thank you for sharing this this really helps✊😁
@LittleChef-Kolkata Says:
Most Best Channel I am Fan ❤
@OldGreyTrunk2 Says:
be nice if google put the google play store into it.
@horationelson57 Says:
Dear Mr Barnatt, an English major, here, so I prefer reading Milton, rather than tinkering around, too much, on my pc. My Win 10 laptop is unsupported for Win 11, so what would be the the most healthful/ least-fuss-OS to breathe new-life into my 2018 laptop; Linux, say Mint, or Chrome OS?
Thank you so very much!
@1983englishman Says:
Such a useful video. Brilliantly explained. Thank you very much
@Reclamalo Says:
is it possible to install the linux in a micro sd? thanks
@Shotgun_Only Says:
I thought you were going to “flex” ChromeOS so I clicked the video cuz i thought it would be funny but then I heard the Bri’ish accent and hit dislike
@fa046192 Says:
I installed Chrome OS flex on my 9 year old Windows 8 laptop, it works very well, Linux apps also work well but start up slowly, once started it works fine, Chrome OS flex takes 25 seconds to start up, in fact a great solution to reduce waste.
PysolFC is a better solicetaire, very nicely finished.
@wonderfulwinnder Says:
Chrome OS Flex has a relatively poor performance (compared with Windows), can't play movies smoothly, can't play music with surround sound, not every picture can be opened, limited file formats are supported. Many Linux apps do not run properly. The only thing it does well is to get you online via the Chrome browser. If your computer runs Windows properly, stay with Windows. Only if your computer is so low spec that it can't even run Windows, Chrome OS is then a viable option.
@matteobarbieri1190 Says:
I have a terminal but, if I click on settings, I have a different screen and said: Linux is not supported on your Chromebook.
Are there any other possibilities? I have a 2008 MacBook, a very old Mac I am trying to restore
@sidensvans67 Says:
Thank you for the tutorial .
@OclockDereje Says:
ok I want to ask one thing my chrome book is managed by other library so how can change by my self and used my chromebook
@tslvtslv6265 Says:
Thank you sir
Very helpful video
@CraigLillie Says:
Have to say, I was hoping you would try installing Firefox on a chromeOS device. But it wouldn't do to upset our Google Overlords! 🤣
@trlwaifulover7593 Says:
this makes chromeOS not a garbage OS, it's like a linux distro but with a good UX
@Empty-nd9fb Says:
Thanks!
@firstlast5350 Says:
Why on earth would you want to that when you could install debian with kde, the best linux option, in the first place?
@FnfMaker Says:
Give html pls
@drogi007 Says:
hello, is there any "store" application in debian which we can install there, where you can browse for all debian applications which are available?
@Sasha-Good Says:
One problem -- Google doesn't adopt to mount disk images in Lunix. It's a big problem if someone want to use a big app, like steam games, or something similar.
@ToddCleland-fs9iw Says:
Quick question, once you get linux developer access and install a bunch of Linux apps, is there a way to then limit or lock terminal access but still keep the Linux apps you already installed? I know I can remove Linux environment, but that also removes the apps. I just want to lock down standard user (students) access to developers access? Also is it possible to install apps for all Chrome os flex users all at the same time rather than one at a time?
@anthony14363 Says:
The best OS ever, in my opinion, is Chrome OS Flex! particularly for someone who is minimalist like me
It simply completes the task without any further complications or roadblocks, going right to the purpose.
@phillip1211 Says:
Why can't all content providers be like this guy. Straightforward, easy to follow, plain English and highly informative. Great teacher, keep it up.
@nikosaek781 Says:
a friend of mine gave me a lenovo win 11 thinkpad but windows was too flow. so i followed youre directions and the laptop is fast and secure with cromeos flex thank you soo much.
@theadoresmith2777 Says:
Bit of an elephant in the room. I tried this from google chrome ... and the linux button is greyed out ... what are you using?
@Raven-ol7nd Says:
In my pc, the turn on button appears but it is not posible to check... i dont know what to do
@mbvx7 Says:
good info
@JohnGlen502 Says:
Wow, that's incredible, but sadly no Linux Development available on my machine, a not that old HP. Any idea why some installations allow it but not all? I was hoping to run Equalizer APO (a powerful sound equalizer) after dumping Windows and possibly still connect to my older Canon printer that won't connect to Flex or Chromebook but maybe with Linux. I have two more older HP pcs to try tomorrow, but if that variable was known buying another used PC would totally be worth it. Yours was the first video that pointed out this powerful feature.
@vampiregoat69 Says:
Chromebooks are trash
@timolaf2798 Says:
Hi, I'm intrigued by your TV setup with the mini PC running Chrome OS Flex. My question is: how exactly do you control that PC? With a mouse and keyboard? Where are they located? I assume the mini-PC sits near/behind the TV itself. I'm trying to understand how you control it conveniently. Thank You!!! Great Video!!! 😊
@eulondon Says:
I can see this earning quite a hold on computer illiterates, like my mom, or many people I know who just need something that works without needing a degree in Computer Science. It manages to be even simpler than a macOS. A pity it's Google, and we know they're going to milk personal like there is no tomorrow.
@mariuscretu4060 Says:
Can you get installed andtoid apps on this os ? Or Google play ?
@skillit7359 Says:
my linux button is turn off, doesnt support. any solution?
@the_mariocrafter Says:
Have you enabled developer mode yet? On flex you don’t need a factory reset.
@AragakiAyaya Says:
Great video! One question though, will this slow my laptop? I use Chrome OS Flex as is (meaning mainly for Chrome only), but now I'm tempted to install Libre Office
@gilleslucato5531 Says:
thank you christopher for making it possible for non english natives people to understand you by using a slower voice.
@etie007 Says:
I was really taken with ChromeOS Flex, and certainly share your enthusiasm. However, installing Linux Apps proved a disappointment. I used the terminal to download 2 video downloader programs: get_iplayer end yt-dlp. Both programs work flawlessly in MacOS end Windows, but not in ChromeOS Flex. Another problem was that the Mac keyboard back-lighting does not work. This is not too serious, but its a pity about get_iplayer and yt-dlp. Thank you again for your great videos.
@blociot Says:
Just wondering what is the point of installing Debian within the Chrome OS when you could install Linux directly on the machine? Wouldn't it just slow down the machine?
@9hundred67 Says:
.....SO we don't need fydeOS?
@cristoferrosales9058 Says:
i checked settings and it says that linux environment isn't available in my laptop, i wonder if there is another way to activate it by force
@YackoWolf Says:
It doesn't work for me when I activate the VM
@DAVIDGREGORYKERR Says:
what about Synaptic Package Manager.
@asifshamsi5630 Says:
I checked my settings it says that Linux is not supported in my Chromebook.😪What should I do?
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