GalliumOS: The Best Linux for Chromebooks ▷ Boot from USB

GalliumOS is often heralded as the best Linux distribution for Chromebooks and Chromeboxes. Designed specifically for ChromeOS devices, this lightweight operating system is optimized for performance, compatibility, and efficiency. By combining the speed of Xubuntu with Chromebook-specific tweaks, it offers a seamless experience for users looking to repurpose their Chromebook hardware.

What's the Best Linux for Chromebooks?

In this guide, we cover why this Linux distribution is so well fit for Chromebooks and walk you through the steps to make GalliumOS boot from USB.

Why Choose GalliumOS for Chromebooks?

GalliumOS stands out because it was built with Chromebooks in mind. Here are some key reasons to consider it:

Performance Optimization: It's designed to be lightweight, ensuring your Chromebook’s limited hardware resources (like CPU and RAM) are utilized efficiently.
Hardware Compatibility: It comes with pre-installed drivers and tweaks to ensure compatibility with Chromebook hardware, including touchpads, keyboards, and Wi-Fi cards.
Battery Efficiency: Unlike many other Linux distributions, it minimizes unnecessary background processes, optimizing power usage for extended battery life.
Fast Boot Times: Leveraging its lightweight Xubuntu base, this Linux distro boots very quickly, even on older Chromebook models.
Customization: It offers the flexibility of a full fledged Linux system with access to countless open source applications and tools.

Whether you want to extend the life of an older Chromebook or need a versatile operating system for development or everyday use, this Linux distribution makes for an excellent choice.

Key Features of GalliumOS

GalliumOS offers a range of features that enhance the Chromebook experience, making it stand out among other Linux distributions:

Optimized for Chromebooks: Custom kernel and patches make it perfectly tailored for the unique hardware in Chromebooks.
Cross Application Compatibility: Being based on Xubuntu (Ubuntu), it's compatible with a huge range of Linux software, including popular apps like Firefox, LibreOffice, and GIMP. It also supports Snap packages, providing access to thousands of additional applications.
Dual Boot Support: Can be set up alongside ChromeOS, allowing you to switch between the two operating systems as needed.
Secure: As a purely Linux based system, GalliumOS inherits the security features of Linux, making it a safer alternative to ChromeOS for those looking for more control.
Extensive Documentation: Is well documented, providing a large and helpful community for troubleshooting and setup guidance.

Essentials for Creating a GalliumOS Bootable USB

Before we dive into the installation process, here is what you will need:

A USB drive (at least 4GB of storage).
A Chromebook with developer mode enabled.
The GalliumOS ISO file (downloaded from GalliumOS.org).
A USB boot utility like Etcher (for creating the bootable drive).

Steps to Make GalliumOS Boot from USB

The following approach uses the Etcher tool which is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Here are the steps:

1. Enable Developer Mode on Your Chromebook

Before you can install GalliumOS, you need to enable Developer Mode on your Chromebook. This will allow you to install and run a different operating system. Here's how to enable Developer Mode:

Turn off your Chromebook.
Hold down the ESC key and the Refresh key, then press the Power button.
Release the keys once the recovery screen appears.
Press Ctrl + D to enable Developer Mode and follow the on-screen instructions.

Note: Enabling Developer Mode will wipe your local data, so make sure to back up anything important first.

2. Download GalliumOS

Go to the GalliumOS download section and get the appropriate ISO file for your Chromebook or Chromebox.

3. Create a Bootable USB Drive

Now that you have the GalliumOS ISO file, it’s time to create a bootable USB drive:

Download and install Etcher (available for Windows, macOS, and Linux).
Open Etcher and select the ISO file you downloaded.
Insert your USB drive into your computer and select it in Etcher.
Click Flash! to create the bootable USB drive.

4. Boot from USB on Your Chromebook

Once your USB drive is ready, you can boot GalliumOS from it:

Insert the bootable USB drive into your Chromebook.
Turn on your Chromebook and press Ctrl + L at the boot screen to enter the legacy boot mode.
Select the USB drive as the boot device and hit Enter.

If everything went smoothly, your Chromebook should now boot from the prepared USB drive!

Alternate Method: Make a GalliumOS USB via DD

For users comfortable with the command line, you can use the Linux dd command line utility to create a bootable USB. This method is powerful but requires caution, as use of dd will overwrite data.

Insert your USB drive into your computer and note its device name. You can identify it by running:
```
lsblk
```
Look for your USB drive in the output (e.g., /dev/sdX, where X represents the device letter).
Navigate to the directory where the GalliumOS ISO is saved. For example:
```
cd ~/Downloads
```
Use the dd command to write the ISO to the USB drive. Replace sdX with the actual device name of your USB (e.g., /dev/sdb):
```
sudo dd if=GalliumOS.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress
```
if= specifies the input file (the GalliumOS ISO).of= specifies the output device (your USB drive). bs=4M sets the block size to 4MB for faster transfer. status=progress shows the write progress.
Wait until the process is complete. Once done, safely eject the USB drive by running:
```
sudo eject /dev/sdX
```

Warning: Double check the device name of your USB drive before using dd, as it will overwrite the specified device completely.

Running Linux on Chromebook: FAQ

Can I install Linux on my Chromebook?

Yes, you can install Linux on your Chromebook, or you can do what is often referred to as "dual booting" where you keep ChromeOS and run Linux alongside it. Linux distributions, like GalliumOS make for an excellent choice for Chromebooks, offering more flexibility and features than ChromeOS.

How do I enable Developer Mode on a Chromebook?

Enabling Developer Mode is required to install a Linux operating system. Here's how to do it:

Turn off your Chromebook.
Press and hold the ESC key + Refresh key, then press the Power button.
When the recovery screen appears, press Ctrl + D to enter Developer Mode.
Follow the on-screen instructions. Note that enabling Developer Mode will wipe your data, so be sure to back up any important files first.

Will Linux run well on my Chromebook?

Linux can run efficiently on most Chromebooks, especially on lightweight distributions designed for lower-end hardware, such as GalliumOS or Xubuntu. These operating systems are optimized for the limited resources of Chromebooks, providing a smoother performance than other Linux distributions.

Can I run Linux alongside ChromeOS?

Yes, it’s possible to set up Linux alongside ChromeOS in a dual-boot configuration. This allows you to keep your existing ChromeOS system while adding a Linux operating system. You can choose which system to boot into when you turn on your Chromebook.

What should I do if my Chromebook doesn't recognize my USB drive?

If your Chromebook doesn't recognize your USB drive, make sure you've correctly enabled Developer Mode and are following the correct boot sequence. You can enter the boot menu by pressing Ctrl + L at startup to manually select the Linux USB drive. Also, ensure that your USB drive is properly formatted and made bootable.

Can I install Linux on a Chromebook without using Developer Mode?

While installing Linux traditionally requires enabling Developer Mode, there are some alternative methods, such as using Crostini (Linux (Beta)) or running Linux in a virtual machine using tools like Crouton. These methods don’t require Developer Mode but have more limitations compared to a full installation.

Will installing Linux erase my ChromeOS data?

Enabling Developer Mode will erase all local data from your Chromebook, so it's crucial to back up your files before proceeding. However, once Linux is installed, you can dual boot ChromeOS and Linux without losing your ChromeOS data.

Can I revert back to ChromeOS if I don’t like Linux?

Yes, you can always revert back to ChromeOS by performing a factory reset (powerwash). This will erase Linux and return your Chromebook to its original state. You can also reinstall ChromeOS if needed.

What software can I run on Linux for Chromebook?

Linux on Chromebooks allows you to run a wide variety of software. Popular programs include:

Web browsers like Firefox and Chromium.
Office suites like LibreOffice.
Multimedia tools like VLC and GIMP.
Development tools like VSCode or PyCharm.
Linux package management tools like apt (Debian-based systems) and Snap for installing apps.

Do I need an external keyboard and mouse for Linux on my Chromebook?

Most Chromebooks come with built-in keyboards and trackpads, which should work with Linux without issues. However, you might want to customize the keyboard shortcuts or install additional drivers if you find compatibility problems.

Final Thoughts

GalliumOS provides a fantastic solution for Chromebook users looking to move away from ChromeOS or use it alongside and experience the full power of Linux. It offers improved performance, compatibility, and battery life, making it an excellent choice for everyday use or more advanced tasks. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can easily make GalliumOS boot from USB and start enjoying a Linux environment that was specifically tailored for those using Chromebooks and Chromeboxes.

If you're looking for a new alternative Linux operating system for your Chromebook, this is definitely the distro to use. Have you tried GalliumOS on your Chromebook? Let us know how it worked for you or if you have any questions!