Chromebooks have gained popularity over the years, offering a lightweight and user-friendly operating system for users with varying levels of technical expertise. Chrome OS, the system powering these devices, is based on the Linux kernel and offers a seamless web-centric experience. Linux Mint, on the other hand, is a versatile and powerful Linux distribution that has attracted a devoted following among Linux enthusiasts. Combining the two may seem like an unconventional idea, but it opens up a world of possibilities for users seeking the best of both worlds.

Table of Contents

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set up a dual boot with Chromium OS and Linux Mint:

1.Backup your data: Before proceeding, make sure to back up any important data on your Linux Mint system, as the process might involve partitioning your hard drive.

2.Download Chromium OS: Visit the ArnoldTheBat website (https://arnoldthebat.co.uk/) or FydeOS (https://fydeos.com/) and download the latest build of Chromium OS compatible with your device.

3.Create a bootable USB drive: Use a tool like balenaEtcher (https://www.balena.io/etcher/) to create a bootable USB drive with the downloaded Chromium OS image.

4.Boot from the USB drive: Insert the USB drive into your computer, restart your system, and press the appropriate key (usually F12, F2, or ESC) to access the boot menu. Select the USB drive as the boot device.

5.Test Chromium OS: Allow the Chromium OS to boot up and test it to ensure that it works well on your hardware. If you’re satisfied with its performance, proceed to the next step.

6.Partition your hard drive: Restart your computer and boot into Linux Mint. Open the “GParted” partition manager (install it from the Software Manager if you don’t have it). Create a new partition for Chromium OS by resizing your existing partitions. You’ll need at least 16GB of space for a comfortable installation.

7.Install Chromium OS: Restart your computer, boot from the USB drive again, and access the terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + F2. Log in with the username “chronos” (no password required). Use the lsblk command to identify the newly created partition for Chromium OS (e.g., /dev/sda3). Enter the following command to install Chromium OS to the partition, replacing “X” with the correct partition number:

sudo /usr/sbin/chromeos-install –dst /dev/sdaX

8.Configure GRUB: Restart your computer and boot into Linux Mint again. Open the terminal and update the GRUB bootloader configuration with the following command:

sudo update-grub

9.Reboot your system: Restart your computer once more, and you should now see the option to boot into Chromium OS or Linux Mint in the GRUB bootloader menu. Choose the desired operating system and enjoy your dual-boot setup.

In conclusion, installing Chromium OS, the open-source counterpart of Chrome OS, on Linux Mint provides an opportunity to experience the best of both worlds. By setting up a dual-boot system, users can access the simplicity and web-centric environment of Chromium OS while still enjoying the flexibility and customization options of Linux Mint. Although the process can be a bit technical, following the step-by-step guide allows you to create a versatile and efficient dual-platform system. It’s essential to remember that Chromium OS is not identical to Chrome OS, and some features or drivers may differ. Nonetheless, this unique combination offers a tailored computing experience catering to various needs and preferences.

FAQs:

How to install Chrome on Linux command line?

Ans:

To install Google Chrome on Kali Linux, navigate to the location where you saved the downloaded deb file. Open a terminal window and execute the following command: sudo dpkg -i google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb.

Is it possible to install Chrome on Linux?

Ans:

Yes, it is possible to install Google Chrome on Linux by downloading the appropriate package and following the installation instructions.

How do I install Chrome OS from terminal?

Ans:

Press Ctrl + Alt + F2 (Windows) or Ctrl + ⌘ Cmd + F2 (Mac). A Terminal/command line prompt will open. Enter sudo /usr/sbin/chromeos-install –dst /dev/sda . This command will install Chrome OS to your computer’s storage drive.