The Google Chromebook is no stranger to modifications. Despite the fact that it is a fairly locked platform, there are many projects dedicated to replacing the operating system it comes with. All of these projects are great, but they all have one thing in common:getting into a Linux distro not built from the ground up specifically for Chrome devices.
This is where GalliumOS comes in. It is a specialized Linux distribution based on Ubuntu for Chromebooks only. Is it worth using? Let's find out!
If you purchased a Chrome device explicitly to modify it and replace the operating system, you are left with only a few options to choose from. Not to mention that these Linux distros aren't designed for Google-designed hardware, so even if you install Ubuntu, Arch, or one of the others, good luck it works 100% perfectly.
These devices from Google were specifically designed to work well with an operating system, so if you were to replace it with something untested, you would be in serious trouble. Most Chromebooks running an alternate OS have a few issues. GalliumOS aims to address this issue by providing device-specific bug fixes.
Although designed for Chromebooks, GalliumOS works much the same as any other Linux distribution in terms of installation. You will need to head to this site and download an ISO file. Keep in mind that you need to know exactly which model of Chromebook you have before downloading it. It's best to just take what you know about your machine and do a Google search.
When you have determined exactly what type it is (broadwell, haswell, etc.), upload an image. You will need to create a USB image. This must be done on another computer. If you are using Linux, go here. For Mac here, and for Windows, head here.
When you've created the USB drive, simply plug it into your Chromebook and boot from the BIOS you installed. From there, you will be guided through the installation process.
Since GalliumOS is very Chromebook-centric, going through a walkthrough for installation can be quite tricky, mainly because it's nearly impossible to virtualize safely. Instead, follow the detailed instructions provided by GallimOS during the installation process. Everything is very easy to understand and you should have no problem doing everything.
This Linux distribution is very convincing. There really aren't many developers creating a one-size-fits-all experience for Chromebook owners. Sure, you have small projects here and there (Crouton, ChrUbuntu), but nothing of this magnitude. It's a very ambitious project, given that they aim to support just about every Chromebook possible. It's a colossal undertaking, to say the least.
Still, with ambitious projects like these, care must be taken. GalliumOS is still in heavy development, so if you install it, you might trade your Chrome OS bugs for Gallium bugs. Experienced users probably won't notice any problems, but new users will undoubtedly run into problems they can't fix on their own.
If you have a Chromebook and are tired of tinkering with other Linux distros to make everything work, GalliumOS should be your first stop. Yes, it's in beta, and it might make some people nervous. Still, it's probably one of the best choices for those looking for an alternative operating system on Chrome devices.
What other operating system do you prefer to use on your Chromebook? Tell us below!
