So it's like installing a normal Linux distro, only more cumbersome, complicated, less capable a system, and full of the usual Google spyware. Cool.
Just install Linux Mint or something.
this post was submitted on 18 Oct 2023
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I’ve installed this on an old Chromebook already and it does work. You have to dig around for it a bit online but it has been available publicly for a while.
However , surprise, if it’s an old Chromebook you’re going to have to remove the internal write protect screw or use a Susie-q cable to make it the primary operating system on the device as they never intended for you to overwrite the existing os.
You can boot from usb or dual boot though.
Edit: plug for this awesome site that lets you update bios on chromebooks : https://mrchromebox.tech/#home
I love LinuxMint
Just run Ubuntu or Mint on the old Chromebook and be done with it.
Linux turns a Chromebook into a fully functional machine, and since they are so cheap, you can get a halfway decent “Linuxbook” for less than $200.
The advantage seems to be that you would not need to reflash the bios. For some models getting to the screw is not as easy and the cable needed to unlock other models is not being sold anymore.
I could see that being a huge benefit. It became a matter of principle for me when it came to getting that screw off in the end. 😬
That said, they could just not put that screw in there that prevents people from doing what they want with their equipment.
Chrome OS is Linux though, so you're basically just degoogling it with a cousin distro.
degoogling
a worthy cause
I tried putting Linux on an old Chromebook once and it became unusable. Probably my own fault but I'm very reluctant to try again. If Google released something then I'd feel more confident in the process.