Chromebook: Install Linux - Here's how

If you want to install Linux on your Chromebook in addition to the Google operating system Chrome OS, we show you how in this guide.

Install Linux on Chromebook: Switch to developer mode

For the Linux installation, you first have to switch to Developer mode. The way to get there is via recovery mode.

Hold down [ESC] and [F3] and then press the power button. The Chromebook should now start up in recovery mode.
Use the key combination [Ctrl] + [D] and [ENTER] to call up the developer mode. The Chromebook will then restart and you can log in as usual.

The "Crouton" script makes it much easier for you to install Linux on the Chromebook.

Download the "Crouton" script. You can simply leave it in your download folder.
Now open a terminal window with the key combination [Ctrl] + [Alt] + [T] and enter the command "shell".
If you want to install Linux with XFCE as interface, the following is "sudo sh -e ~ / Downloads / crouton -t xfce", provided the Crouton script is in the download folder.
If you prefer Unity as the interface, the corresponding command is "sudo sh -e ~ / Downloads / crouton -t unity"
Crouton downloads all associated files and does the entire installation. Of course, you only have to enter your username and password yourself. After successful installation you should see the following in the terminal: " / $".
Linux should now start with "sudo startunity" if you selected Unity. Accordingly, enter "sudo startxfce" if XFCE has been installed as an interface.

With [Ctrl] + [Alt] + [F1] or [Ctrl] + [Alt] + [F2] you can switch between Chrome OS and Linux.
If only the shell is displayed under Linux, press the key combination [Ctrl] + [Alt] + [F3] once to get to the interface.

You cannot currently install Skype on your Chromebook. In the next practical tip, we will show you how you can still chat with your Skype contacts.