UPDATE 02/12/2024 - Adjusting the ChromeOS resolution will no longer dynamically update the Debian desktop resolution. Once the ChromeOS resolution is adjusted, shut down and then restart Linux. If you have not already installed Linux, I recommend watching my Install Linux On A Chromebook (No Rooting!) video: ua-cam.com/video/4bKeaVw_eqc/v-deo.html Complete install instructions: From the Terminal app: sudo apt update -y sudo apt dist-upgrade -y sudo apt install task-lxde-desktop -y sudo apt install xserver-xephyr -y sudo apt install nano -y sudo systemctl disable lightdm sudo nano /usr/bin/gol Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :20 & sleep 5 DISPLAY=:20 startlxde & Ctrl-O, Enter, and Ctrl-X to save the file and exit nano sudo chmod +x /usr/bin/gol gol Shut down Linux: Right click (2 finger click on Chromebook mousepad) Terminal app > select Shut down Linux > close Terminal app Startup the desktop: Open Terminal app > select penguin > gol Most Linux issues are caused by ChromeOS updates, the following procedure generally fixes those issues: Right click Terminal app > select Shut down Linux > close Terminal app Shut down the Chromebook Start the Chromebook back up Put the Chromebook online Open the Terminal app > select penguin Wait a few moments for the terminal to start up (shouldn't take more then 10 minutes, generally this takes less time, long start up times are usually due to updates) Execute gol script LightDM greeter issue (login screen). The LightDM greeter clashes with the ChromeOS container design. Because of that, a login window pops up that we can't interact with and if we try to close out of it, it closes the terminal session as well. WITHOUT closing the LightDM greeter, from the Terminal: sudo systemctl disable lightdm Reboot Linux, there should no longer be a password window. More Information/Documentation: Debian Website: www.debian.org/ Debian Handbook: debian-handbook.info/browse/stable/ LXDE Website: www.lxde.org/ Chrome/ChromeOS Documenation: www.chromium.org/chromium-projects/ Questions are welcome and encouraged. Due to the design of UA-cam's comment section, posting questions under the pinned comment or under another user's comment makes it difficult for me to find and answer questions. Please do not post your questions under the pinned comment or under other user's questions. Please create a new comment.
It worked thank you so much cause at first I watched one of your older videos but it did not work but after watching this new up to date version it worked
Before starting up the desktop the screen resolution can be lowered to make everything bigger: Chromebook Settings > Device > Displays > Display size. Start up the desktop from the terminal. Fonts can be adjusted inside the desktop from multiple places: To adjust the majority of the fonts: Menu > Preferences > Customize Look and Feel Fonts can be generally be set under the Widget tab and Window Border subtabs. Click Apply button to apply font changes. To adjust the desktop font: Right click desktop background > select Desktop Preferences > go to the Appearance tab Font can be adjusted under the Text section. To adjust the bottom taskbar font: Right click the taskbar > select Panel Settings > go to the Appearance tab Font can be adjusted under the Font section. You can also adjust the size of the desktop icons: Menu > System Tools > File Manager PCManFM View menu > select Zoom In or Zoom Out I have a video that covers adjusting the Display size, fonts, and icon sizes: ua-cam.com/video/HRq_uxDMDWg/v-deo.html
Hi Ruth! I need some help. So I followed along and am getting a message Xephyr cannot open host display. Is DISPLAY set? I went back in to nano and rewrote the code and I'm still getting this error. I can't help but think I missed something. Also. Say you wanted to just scrap this and start over. How would one go about that? Thanks!
It's sounds like you're very close to having it working. Before starting over, I recommend shutting down Linux, shutting down the Chromebook, restart the Chromebook, put the Chromebook online, start up Linux again, and try executing the gol script (6:52). If that doesn't work, it's likely an issue with the go script. For your convenience I've included the complete install instructions. If you continue to have an issue, please copy and paste your go script (4:38). From Terminal app: sudo apt update -y sudo apt dist-upgrade -y sudo apt install task-lxde-desktop -y sudo apt install xserver-xephyr -y sudo apt install nano -y sudo systemctl disable lightdm sudo nano /usr/bin/gol Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :20 & sleep 5 DISPLAY=:20 startlxde & Ctrl-O, Enter, Ctrl-X sudo chmod +x /usr/bin/gol gol ------------------------------------------- Linux can be completely removed at any time from: Chromebook Settings > About ChromeOS > Linux development environment > click the Remove button
The minimum storage needed for a minimum install is 5 GB. ----------------------- Debian with an XFCE desktop install (screenshots shown in one of my community posts www.youtube.com/@ruthake/community the first sentence in the post is "XFCE Desktop On Debian 12 On A Chromebook!"): Start with a fresh Linux container install: Advanced > Developers Click the Turn On Button Click the Next button Enter a Username Select Disk Size (can be changed later) Click the Install button From Terminal app: sudo apt update -y sudo apt dist-upgrade -y sudo apt install task-xfce-desktop -y sudo apt install xserver-xephyr -y sudo apt install nano -y sudo systemctl disable lightdm sudo nano /usr/bin/gox Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :40 & sleep 5 sudo -u DISPLAY=:40 startxfce4 & Ctrl-O, Enter, Ctrl-X sudo chmod +x /usr/bin/gox gox
I would recommend shutting down Linux, shutting down the Chromebook, restart the Chromebook, put the Chromebook online, start up Linux again, and try executing the gol script (6:52). It sounds like the ":" may be misplaced in the script: Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :20 & sleep 5 DISPLAY=:20 startlxde & For your convenience I've included the complete install instructions. If you continue to have an issue, please copy and paste your go script (4:38): From Terminal app: sudo apt update -y sudo apt dist-upgrade -y sudo apt install task-lxde-desktop -y sudo apt install xserver-xephyr -y sudo apt install nano -y sudo systemctl disable lightdm sudo nano /usr/bin/gol Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :20 & sleep 5 DISPLAY=:20 startlxde & Ctrl-O, Enter, Ctrl-X sudo chmod +x /usr/bin/gol gol
Would this work if i installed it on Debian running on WSL2 (WIndows Subsystem for Linux version 2) rather than on a chromebook? My laptop natively runs windows, but WSL2 lets linux run almost like it is installed directly on the hardware, I already run Win-Kex on kali linux, but want to test debian so i can write scripts for my sister to use on her own, however having a GUI rather than CLI will make this easier.
I do not have any experience with WSL. I would recommend installing Linux on an SD card (running Linux from an SD card connected by a USB adapter), this would allow you to run full blown Debian Linux without interfering with Windows. Theoretically, Xephyr should allow you to run a desktop. Here's a Debian Wiki page on WSL: wiki.debian.org/InstallingDebianOn/Microsoft/Windows/SubsystemForLinux
Before starting up the desktop the screen resolution can be lowered to make everything bigger: Chromebook Settings > Device > Displays > Display size. Start up the desktop from the terminal. Fonts can be adjusted inside the desktop from multiple places: To adjust the majority of the fonts: Menu > Preferences > Customize Look and Feel Fonts can be generally be set under the Widget tab and Window Border subtabs. Click Apply button to apply font changes. To adjust the desktop font: Right click desktop background > select Desktop Preferences > go to the Appearance tab Font can be adjusted under the Text section. To adjust the bottom taskbar font: Right click the taskbar > select Panel Settings > go to the Appearance tab Font can be adjusted under the Font section. You can also adjust the size of the desktop icons: Menu > System Tools > File Manager PCManFM View menu > select Zoom In or Zoom Out I have a video that covers adjusting the Display size, fonts, and icon sizes: ua-cam.com/video/7fqpNJl3aDc/v-deo.html ------------------------- Here's a method for enlarging the entire desktop, this has been an ongoing area of research. We've tried hundreds of combinations, don't hesitate to experiment. 0.5 doubles the screen size, 2 is half size, decimals can be used (ex. --scale=0.671): sommelier -X --scale=0.5 Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :20 & sleep 5 DISPLAY=:20 startlxde & Reboot Linux and startup the desktop again for the scale to take affect. For reference this is the unmodified version of the go script: Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :20 & sleep 5 DISPLAY=:20 startlxde & For a sommelier quick reference from a terminal: sommelier --help Sommelier Documentation: chromium.googlesource.com/chromiumos/platform2/+/HEAD/vm_tools/sommelier/ I have a video that goes into detail on Sommelier: ua-cam.com/video/2Rpnudnjc1g/v-deo.html
I am not aware of any way to integrate external storage with a Chromebook. External storage is useful for storing data files (documents, music files, video files, etc.). Here are some various ways to view storage from a terminal, note that fstab is not used: cat /etc/fstab mount lsblk df -h From a crosh terminal (Alt+Ctrl+T from the ChromeOS home screen, or chrome-untrusted://crosh from the Chrome browser): vmc start termina lxc --help lxc list LXC/LXD links you may find helpful: discuss.linuxcontainers.org/t/using-lxd-on-your-chromebook/3823 documentation.ubuntu.com/lxd/en/stable-4.0/storage/
I get a “Gtk-WARNING **: 14:19:48:067: cannot open display: 20:” and on the next line I get “Xephyr cannot open open host display. Is DISPLAY set?”. So all my commands are good but got stuck here.
It sounds like the colon is after 20 instead of before 20. Here's a copy of the go script for reference. If you continue to experience issues, please copy and paste your go script (4:37) along with any error messages: Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :20 & sleep 5 DISPLAY=:20 startlxde & ----------------------- For your convenience, here are the complete install instructions: To enable Linux from Chromebook Settings: Search for Linux > select Set up Linux development environment Click the Set up Button Click the Next button Enter a Username Select Disk Size (can be changed later) Click the Install button To get a LXDE desktop: From Terminal app: sudo apt update -y sudo apt dist-upgrade -y sudo apt install task-lxde-desktop -y sudo apt install xserver-xephyr -y sudo apt install nano -y sudo systemctl disable lightdm sudo nano /usr/bin/gol Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :20 & sleep 5 DISPLAY=:20 startlxde & Ctrl-O, Enter, Ctrl-X sudo chmod +x /usr/bin/gol gol
I am actually doing this right now. Before doing the gol command to start the desktop you must exit the terminal by bringing up the right click menu of the terminal icon in your task bar and choosing to shut down Linux. Then get back into your terminal and do the gol command.
hello @ruthake I followed all the steps which I appreciated greatly but am getting a black screen after starting up lxde that says DISPLAY:command not found. Any idea how to fix? I've rebooted the machine after shutting down server but the problem persists
To access a USB stick from Linux: Open the ChromeOS Files app and plug in the USB stick. Right click the USB stick and select Share with Linux. From the Linux side, the USB stick will be available at: /mnt/chromeos/removable To unshare any shared storage with Linux: Open ChromeOS Settings. Go to About ChromeOS > Linux development environment > Manage shared folders Click the x next to the name of the storage to unshare it. ChromeOS does not currently support CDs and DVDs.
To see if the Linux side is connecting to the internet, try pinging Google from a terminal: ping www.google.com Ctrl-C to stop the ping If the internet is working, try running the browser from a terminal and copy and paste the output here.
In terms of security on a EAU Chromebook: Would running a browser inside the container be more, less, or the same? I'm especially interested because I bank on line. Wonderful video, works great, thanks.
I'm not a security specialist, that is beyond the scope of my channel. Here's a few links you may be interested in: Article about Apple: www.apple.com/customer-letter/ Naomi Brockwell TV Channel: www.youtube.com/@naomibrockwelltv SecurityFWD Channel (Current): www.youtube.com/@SecurityFWD Nullbyte Channel (Original): www.youtube.com/@NullByteWHT What happened to Nullbyte?: ua-cam.com/video/5MsTm-v0ykQ/v-deo.html Privacy Linux Distro: tails.net/
Some Desktops can peacefully coexist and even run at the same time, use a different DISPLAY id if you intend to run them at the same time. The following desktops were tested with Debian 12: XFCE Desktop: Install: task-xfce-desktop Create the file: /usr/bin/gox Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :40 & sleep 5 sudo -u DISPLAY=:40 startxfce4 & The following desktops were tested with Debian 11. KDE Desktop: Install: task-kde-desktop Create the file: /usr/bin/gok Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :40 & sleep 5 DISPLAY=:40 startplasma-x11 & GNOME Desktop: Install: task-gnome-desktop, mutter In the script below, the ChromeOS display size is 1518x853. 33 has been subtracted from the height to compensate for the top bar. You may have to experiment with the height. The display size can be found in Chromebook Settings > Device > Displays > Display size. Create the file: /usr/bin/gog export MUTTER_DEBUG_DUMMY_MODE_SPECS=1518x820 sleep 5 gnome-shell --nested --wayland &> /dev/null & IceWM Desktop: Install: icewm Create the file: /usr/bin/goice Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :40 & sleep 5 DISPLAY=:40 icewm-session & Menu → Settings → Themes → NanoBlue TWM Desktop: Install: twm, suckless-tools, nitrogen Create the file: /usr/bin/got Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :40 & sleep 5 DISPLAY=:40 twm &> /dev/null & DISPLAY=:40 nitrogen --restore &> /dev/null & Create the run command file TWMRC for TWM configuration: ~/.twmrc ShowIconManager IconifyByUnmapping Button3 = : root : ! “dmenu_run -fn ‘Mono-20’ &> /dev/null &” Mouse is invisible until first app opens. Right click the desktop to run Dmenu. Run Nitrogen first to setup the wallpaper. To shut down TWM, do killall Xephyr in Chromebook Terminal and then do a regular Linux shutdown
Canonical, the primary source for containers has discontinued making containers. You can clone and modify the penguin Debian container. In some cases it may be possible to turn one distro into another one. Containers require bridge software. Multiple containers can run at the same time. Canonical is no longer supporting LXC: discuss.linuxcontainers.org/t/important-notice-for-lxd-users-image-server/18479 There are older articles: wiki.archlinux.org/title/Chrome_OS_devices/Crostini ubuntu.com/tutorials/install-ubuntu-on-chromebook#1-overview ChromeOS runs Linux in a nested structure: ChromeOS / CROSH -> VM / Termina -> LXC Container / penguin There are 2 ways to start up a CROSH terminal: Alt+Ctrl+T From the ChromeOS Chrome browser: URL: chrome-untrusted://crosh VM / Termina VMC list, start, stop, reconnect, destroy (USE DESTROY WITH CAUTION), and help: vmc list vmc start termina vmc stop termina vsh termina vmc destroy termina vmc --help LXC Container / penguin List, start, stop, connect user, connect root (it's dash dash space bash), help. In order to issue an lxc stop command, you must first exit the container: lxc list lxc start penguin lxc stop penguin lxc exec penguin su - lxc exec penguin -- bash lxc --help You may find it helpful to clone a container. A container must be stopped before it can be cloned: lxc copy penguin mycontainer lxc list lxc start mycontainer lxc stop mycontainer lxc exec mycontainer su - lxc exec mycontainer -- bash Example session: Alt+Ctrl+T vmc start termina lxc start penguin lxc exec penguin su - gol exit lxc stop penguin exit vmc stop termina exit ------------------------------------ The issue with non Google containers, is the bridge software that connects the container to the outside world. This will affect communications and GUI applications. Cros Container Guest Tools is Google's bridge software (chromium.googlesource.com/chromiumos/containers/cros-container-guest-tools/ ). Bazel build is the install software recommended by Google. By default, Google uses Canonical (Ubuntu) containers. Here's a list of ChromeOS definitions and links: www.chromium.org/chromium-os/developer-library/guides/containers/containers-and-vms/
Can we change the HOSTNAME from penguin to something else without messing up everything in your videos? For example, I HAVE TWO CHROMEBOOKS WITH YOUR LINUX INSTALLED, so I want to be able to SSH & scp between them but they don't have the same basic IP Address as my local LAN, so apparently the Chromebook Terminal App sets all that up when we click on "SSH"
You will need to use your Chromebook's IP and open ports from Chromebook Settings > About ChromeOS > Developers > Linux development environment > Port forwarding. You will also likely have to configure SSH to use a higher port number.
Here's a video that covers running apps inside the desktop (it's not always possible to run an app inside the desktop, it depends on how the program is coded): ua-cam.com/video/duwJHojF1kc/v-deo.html Here's a video that covers running apps outside the desktop with sommelier: ua-cam.com/video/2Rpnudnjc1g/v-deo.html
It sounds like there is an issue with the go script. Please copy and paste your go script. Here's a copy of the complete go script: Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :20 & sleep 5 DISPLAY=:20 startlxde & --------------------------- Here's a copy of the complete instructions for your convenience: From the Terminal app: sudo apt update -y sudo apt dist-upgrade -y sudo apt install task-lxde-desktop -y sudo apt install xserver-xephyr -y sudo apt install nano -y sudo systemctl disable lightdm sudo nano /usr/bin/gol Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :20 & sleep 5 DISPLAY=:20 startlxde & Ctrl-O, Enter, Ctrl-X sudo chmod +x /usr/bin/gol gol
Great Vid, clear and working instructions!! Thank you! Once my desktop starts the resolution is so small I can barely read anything, it seems to be in 2400x1600 and there is no option to change it. Any ideas?
I've been working on scripts to allow the scale to be set when the desktop is started. A video on scaling the desktop on a Chromebook with scripts is in the works. I've tested these scripts with Debian. The script below uses sommelier to set the desktop screen size with a set scale: To adjust the desktop size with this script, change the scale value. .5 is double the size, and 2 is half the size. If I wanted to make my screen 20% bigger, I would add 20 to 100 and then divide 100 by 120 which equals .83 which is 83%. What this means is my current screen is 83% as big as I would like it to be. sudo killall Xephyr &> /dev/null sudo rm /tmp/.X20-lock &> /dev/null sleep 3 sommelier -X --scale=.83 --glamor \ Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :20 \ &> /dev/null & sleep 3 sudo -u env XDG_RUNTIME_DIR=/run/user/1000 \ GDK_BACKEND=x11 \ PATH=/usr/local/bin:/usr/bin:\ /usr/local/games:/usr/games \ DISPLAY=:20 startlxde &> /dev/null & This may adversely affect any programs that use previously used prefixes such as "env GDK_BACKEND=x11". Removing the prefix for the program should fix this. For more info on sommelier from a terminal (it's dash dash help): sommelier --help More advanced scaling scripts are in the pinned comment of my Linux On A Chromebook Without Rooting! UA-cam short: ua-cam.com/users/shortsqOAY9Yw1Enk For additional scaling options, you may be interested in: ua-cam.com/video/7fqpNJl3aDc/v-deo.html
@@ruthake Thank you very much. It's been a few years since I've worked with Linux and I appreciate the help. If I could just replace ChromeOS with Linux I would 😀 I'll test this tomorrow and see how it goes
I have not specifically used ChromeOS Flex, but I believe the process is the same. Linux can be installed and deleted as many times as desired from Chromebook Settings > About ChromeOS > Developers > Linux development environment. Or just search for Linux in Chromebook Settings. Base Install: ua-cam.com/video/4bKeaVw_eqc/v-deo.html Desktop Install: ua-cam.com/video/Ea6xKZD41hI/v-deo.html ---------------------------------- For your convenience, here are the complete install instructions: To enable Linux from Chromebook Settings: Search for Linux > select Set up Linux development environment Click the Set up Button Click the Next button Enter a Username Select Disk Size (can be changed later) Click the Install button To get a LXDE desktop: From Terminal app: sudo apt update -y sudo apt dist-upgrade -y sudo apt install task-lxde-desktop -y sudo apt install xserver-xephyr -y sudo apt install nano -y sudo systemctl disable lightdm sudo nano /usr/bin/gol Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :20 & sleep 5 DISPLAY=:20 startlxde & Ctrl-O, Enter, Ctrl-X sudo chmod +x /usr/bin/gol gol
@@ruthake Thank you very much! I will give it a try, and let you know how it turns out. I use the LXDE desktop on my 32-bit architecture test machines, including on Debian 12. If this works, it will make my ChromeOS test machine more useful. I develop and support the KeyMusician Keyboard application.
Well, it worked on ChromeOS Flex, for the most part. My application, running on the LXDE desktop, can position all of its windows, and even access the browser to access the Help and Tutorials. There are big problems with audio that will have to be puzzled-out. I got it to work once with JACK and QSynth. But never again. Shutting down the desktop was a problem, because it didn't work the same as you demonstrated in the video. Right-clicking on the terminal's tray icon didn't give me the option to shut down Linux - only to close it. I entered the terminal, and did a control-C, which seemed to stop the desktop. There appears to be a shelf icon for the desktop itself, but right-clicking it yields only the option to close it (not to shut down Linux).
Thank you for the feedback! This script may be a helpful alternative to shutting down the desktop: nano /usr/bin/gostop sudo killall Xephyr &> /dev/null & sudo rm /tmp/.X20-lock &> /dev/null & Ctrl+O, Enter, and Ctrl+X to save the file and exit nano. sudo chmod +x /usr/bin/gostop To shut down Linux from the ChromeOS Terminal app: gostop exit -------------------------- If an application does not have sound, here's an option you may want to try: env XDG_RUNTIME_DIR=/run/user/1000 GDK_BACKEND=x11 If that doesn't work, try (the bigger the number the smaller the screen, the smaller the number the larger the screen): sommelier -X --scale=1.2 --glamor For awareness: ALSA (Advanced Linux Sound Architecture) - Kernel based sound service. PulseAudio - A depreciated sound server. JACK (JACK Audio Connection Kit) - A depreciated sound server. PipeWire - Handles multimedia for Linux such as audio. PipeWire is replacing PulseAudio and JACK sound servers. WirePlumber - Manages PipeWire. XDG (Cross-System Group) - XDG environmental variables help programs find things like PipeWire and D-Bus. D-Bus (Desktop Bus) - An IPC (InterProcess Communications) middleware meaning it helps programs talk to each other.
@@ruthake Thanks. This does allow me to shut down the LXDE desktop cleanly. The KeyMusician Keyboard ran on it, using QSynth and JACK, connected to a USB audio interface. To my surprise, even with this audio arrangement, there was a lot of (too much) latency for live performance. I tried the same thing on the ChromeOS Flex desktop, and it has the same excessive latency. Apparently changes have gone in causing that. It used to have a noticeable, but not too large, amount of latency. It seems to be yet another chapter in the saga of my testing on Chromebook or ChromeOS Flex. There's always some "gotcha" that makes it unusable, or marginally usable, no matter what you try. I am beginning to conclude, that with Chromebook or ChromeOS Flex, the only winning move is not to play...
2008 - Linux containers created (LXC) 2018 - Chromebooks start running Linux 2021 - Chromebook Linux no longer in Beta This is the list of ChromeOS systems supporting Linux on ChromeOS: www.chromium.org/chromium-os/chrome-os-systems-supporting-linux/ Update on containers: discuss.linuxcontainers.org/t/important-notice-for-lxd-users-image-server/18479
I believe this what you are looking for: support.google.com/chrome/a/answer/6220366?hl=en#zippy= There are more aggressive methods of installing Linux. The Chrome Unboxed Team covers alternative methods for installing Linux on Chromebooks. Chrome Unboxed Links: www.youtube.com/@chromeunboxed chromeunboxed.com/ Rooting is a line I don't cross because it can destroy someone's Chromebook. On a Chromebook, developer mode is rooting. This will also erase everything on your Chromebook. I recommend creating a recovery chip before going into developer mode. If the firmware is damaged, the recovery chip won't work: chromewebstore.google.com/detail/chromebook-recovery-utili/pocpnlppkickgojjlmhdmidojbmbodfm?pli=1 Here's the official Google documentation for developer mode: www.chromium.org/chromium-os/developer-library/guides/device/developer-mode/ Here's a website dedicated to rooting a Chromebook: mrchromebox.tech/
It looks like Lenovo N23 supports Linux on ChromeOS: www.chromium.org/chromium-os/chrome-os-systems-supporting-linux/ You may wish to see if the Linux development environment is available from Chromebook Settings > Advanced > Developers > Linux development environment. If the option is there, then you can try following my videos: Install Linux On A Chromebook (No Rooting!): ua-cam.com/video/4bKeaVw_eqc/v-deo.html How To Install And Get A Linux Desktop On A Chromebook! (No Rooting!): ua-cam.com/video/Ea6xKZD41hI/v-deo.html&lc Side loading Linux on ChromeOS is beyond the scope of what I do.
I have not tested lxqt. Here are some desktops I've tested. Some Desktops can peacefully coexist and even run at the same time, use a different DISPLAY id if you intend to run them at the same time. is your user id. The following desktops were tested with Debian 11. KDE Desktop: Install: task-kde-desktop Create the file: /usr/bin/gok Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :40 & sleep 5 DISPLAY=:40 startplasma-x11 & XFCE Desktop: Install: task-xfce-desktop Create the file: /usr/bin/gox Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :40 & sleep 5 pkexec --user env DISPLAY=:40 startxfce4 &> /dev/null & GNOME Desktop: Install: task-gnome-desktop, mutter In the script below, the ChromeOS display size is 1518x853. 33 has been subtracted from the height to compensate for the top bar. You may have to experiment with the height. The display size can be found in Chromebook Settings > Device > Displays > Display size. Create the file: /usr/bin/gog export MUTTER_DEBUG_DUMMY_MODE_SPECS=1518x820 sleep 5 gnome-shell --nested --wayland &> /dev/null & IceWM Desktop: Install: icewm Create the file: /usr/bin/goice Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :40 & sleep 5 DISPLAY=:40 icewm-session & Menu → Settings → Themes → NanoBlue TWM Desktop: Install: twm, suckless-tools, nitrogen Create the file: /usr/bin/got Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :40 & sleep 5 DISPLAY=:40 twm &> /dev/null & DISPLAY=:40 nitrogen --restore &> /dev/null & Create the run command file TWMRC for TWM configuration: ~/.twmrc ShowIconManager IconifyByUnmapping Button3 = : root : ! “dmenu_run -fn ‘Mono-20’ &> /dev/null &” Mouse is invisible until first app opens. Right click the desktop to run Dmenu. Run Nitrogen first to setup the wallpaper. To shut down TWM, do killall Xephyr in Chromebook Terminal and then do a regular Linux shutdown
No, Chromebooks have been designed to boot their recovery system from an SD card. Chromebook Recovery Utility: chromewebstore.google.com/detail/chromebook-recovery-utili/pocpnlppkickgojjlmhdmidojbmbodfm?pli=1
Linux can be completely removed from Linux development environment in Chromebook Settings, and click on the Remove button. The Linux storage can be adjusted at any time from Linux development environment in Chromebook Settings, and click on the Change button for Disk size. You may also be interested in the Disk Usage Analyzer. Install baobab. Open from Menu > System Tools > Disk Usage Analyzer. Removing just the LXDE desktop will likely make Linux dysfunctional. It may be easier to uninstall Linux and reinstall Linux without the desktop, and then install a lighter weight desktop such as IceWM (takes about 1 min to install. I strongly recommend changing the theme to NanoBlue.): sudo apt update -y sudo apt dist-upgrade -y sudo apt install icewm -y sudo nano /usr/bin/goice Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :20 & sleep 5 DISPLAY=:20 icewm-session & Ctrl+O, Enter, and Ctrl+X to save the file and exit nano. sudo chmod +x /usr/bin/goice goice Menu > Settings > Themes > NanoBlue
I would recommend shutting down Linux, shutting down the Chromebook, restart the Chromebook, put the Chromebook online, start up Linux again, and try executing the gol script (6:52). For your convenience I've included the complete install instructions. If you continue to have an issue, please copy and paste your go script (4:38): From Terminal app: sudo apt update -y sudo apt dist-upgrade -y sudo apt install task-lxde-desktop -y sudo apt install xserver-xephyr -y sudo apt install nano -y sudo systemctl disable lightdm sudo nano /usr/bin/gol Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :20 & sleep 5 DISPLAY=:20 startlxde & Ctrl-O, Enter, Ctrl-X sudo chmod +x /usr/bin/gol gol
I have not experimented with Wine. Here is an article that covers Wine on Chromebooks: alvarotrigo.com/blog/wine-chromebook/ You may also be interested in: chromeunboxed.com/run-a-variety-of-virtual-machines-on-your-chromebook-with-gnome-boxes/
@@YvonneJoku I would recommend removing Linux, and reinstalling Linux without the LXDE desktop. Generally, trying to remove a desktop will break Linux. The LXDE desktop would best be removed one component at a time. Some desktops can peacefully coexist with LXDE such as i3wm, TWM, and IceWM. --------------------------------------- Questions are welcome and encouraged. Due to the design of UA-cam's comment section, posting questions under the pinned comment or under another user's comment makes it difficult for me to find and answer questions. Please do not post your questions under the pinned comment or under other user's questions. Please create a new comment.
Some Desktops can peacefully coexist and even run at the same time, use a different DISPLAY id if you intend to run them at the same time. is your user id. These have not yet been tested with Debian 12. KDE Desktop: Install: task-kde-desktop Create the file: /usr/bin/gok Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :40 & sleep 5 DISPLAY=:40 startplasma-x11 & XFCE Desktop: Install: task-xfce-desktop Create the file: /usr/bin/gox Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :40 & sleep 5 pkexec --user env DISPLAY=:40 startxfce4 &> /dev/null & GNOME Desktop: Install: task-gnome-desktop, mutter In the script below, the ChromeOS display size is 1518x853. 33 has been subtracted from the height to compensate for the top bar. You may have to experiment with the height. The display size can be found in Chromebook Settings > Device > Displays > Display size. Create the file: /usr/bin/gog export MUTTER_DEBUG_DUMMY_MODE_SPECS=1518x820 sleep 5 gnome-shell --nested --wayland &> /dev/null & IceWM Desktop: Install: icewm Create the file: /usr/bin/goice Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :40 & sleep 5 DISPLAY=:40 icewm-session & Menu → Settings → Themes → NanoBlue TWM Desktop: Install: twm, suckless-tools, nitrogen Create the file: /usr/bin/got Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :40 & sleep 5 DISPLAY=:40 twm &> /dev/null & DISPLAY=:40 nitrogen --restore &> /dev/null & Create the run command file TWMRC for TWM configuration: ~/.twmrc ShowIconManager IconifyByUnmapping Button3 = : root : ! “dmenu_run -fn ‘Mono-20’ &> /dev/null &” Mouse is invisible until first app opens. Right click the desktop to run Dmenu. Run Nitrogen first to setup the wallpaper. To shut down TWM, do killall Xephyr in Chromebook Terminal and then do a regular Linux shutdown
you should make a video how to run .exe using Linux I can't like do you have to have Ubuntu that's the only thing UA-cam has using wine. any help would be awesome
I have not tested running Windows apps on ChromeOS. Wine should allow you to run .exe files. Here's an article about running Wine on a Chromebook: beebom.com/how-use-windows-10-apps-chromebook-using-wine/ You may also be interested in virtual machines: chromeunboxed.com/run-a-variety-of-virtual-machines-on-your-chromebook-with-gnome-boxes/
really awesome video! I wonder if it'll work on my arm chromeOS device (it's a lenovo duet with a mediatek hardware) :P probably all the Debian packages are amd64
@@ruthake hooooly, it worked 🤣🤣♥ I had so much fun. And I wanted to try plasma and plasma mobile (but startkde doesn't work, so it's "XDG_SESSION_TYPE=wayland dbus-run-session startplasma-x11 (or startplasmamobile)", it worked amazing beside the mouse/touchpad not being detected 😂♥ I think I can just try to modify the gol script too. Buuut I'll also try the Lxde, probably will work even better XD
Some Desktops can peacefully coexist and even run at the same time, use a different DISPLAY id if you intend to run them at the same time. The following desktops were tested with Debian 12: XFCE Desktop: Install: task-xfce-desktop Create the file: /usr/bin/gox Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :40 & sleep 5 sudo -u DISPLAY=:40 startxfce4 & The following desktops were tested with Debian 11: KDE Desktop: Install: task-kde-desktop Create the file: /usr/bin/gok Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :40 & sleep 5 DISPLAY=:40 startplasma-x11 & GNOME Desktop: Install: task-gnome-desktop, mutter In the script below, the ChromeOS display size is 1518x853. 33 has been subtracted from the height to compensate for the top bar. You may have to experiment with the height. The display size can be found in Chromebook Settings > Device > Displays > Display size. Create the file: /usr/bin/gog export MUTTER_DEBUG_DUMMY_MODE_SPECS=1518x820 sleep 5 gnome-shell --nested --wayland &> /dev/null & IceWM Desktop: Install: icewm Create the file: /usr/bin/goice Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :40 & sleep 5 DISPLAY=:40 icewm-session & Menu → Settings → Themes → NanoBlue TWM Desktop: Install: twm, suckless-tools, nitrogen Create the file: /usr/bin/got Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :40 & sleep 5 DISPLAY=:40 twm &> /dev/null & DISPLAY=:40 nitrogen --restore &> /dev/null & Create the run command file TWMRC for TWM configuration: ~/.twmrc ShowIconManager IconifyByUnmapping Button3 = : root : ! “dmenu_run -fn ‘Mono-20’ &> /dev/null &” Mouse is invisible until first app opens. Right click the desktop to run Dmenu. Run Nitrogen first to setup the wallpaper. To shut down TWM, do killall Xephyr in Chromebook Terminal and then do a regular Linux shutdown
If you've rebooted it while it was online, then it is likely a typo in the go script. For your convenience I've included the complete install instructions. If you continue to have an issue, please copy and paste your go script (4:38): From Terminal app: sudo apt update -y sudo apt dist-upgrade -y sudo apt install task-lxde-desktop -y sudo apt install xserver-xephyr -y sudo apt install nano -y sudo systemctl disable lightdm sudo nano /usr/bin/gol Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :20 & sleep 5 DISPLAY=:20 startlxde & Ctrl-O, Enter, Ctrl-X sudo chmod +x /usr/bin/gol gol
@@ruthake Tx Ruth, I just figured it out - before reading your answer. It appeared that lxde couldn't be started, so I installed lxde (full). Following your instructions .... it worked. It's nice. Thank you for your instructional video.
LXDE uses Openbox as the window manager: openbox.org/wiki/LXDE Here's an example on installing and configuring Openbox: www.maketecheasier.com/configure-andcustomize-openbox/
Here's a complete set of instructions for installing a Ubuntu container: ubuntu.com/tutorials/install-ubuntu-on-chromebook#1-overview Here's a list of ChromeOS definitions and links: www.chromium.org/chromium-os/developer-library/guides/containers/containers-and-vms/ I believe the most difficult part will be with the bridge software.
UPDATE 02/12/2024 - Adjusting the ChromeOS resolution will no longer dynamically update the Debian desktop resolution. Once the ChromeOS resolution is adjusted, shut down and then restart Linux.
If you have not already installed Linux, I recommend watching my Install Linux On A Chromebook (No Rooting!) video:
ua-cam.com/video/4bKeaVw_eqc/v-deo.html
Complete install instructions:
From the Terminal app:
sudo apt update -y
sudo apt dist-upgrade -y
sudo apt install task-lxde-desktop -y
sudo apt install xserver-xephyr -y
sudo apt install nano -y
sudo systemctl disable lightdm
sudo nano /usr/bin/gol
Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :20 &
sleep 5
DISPLAY=:20 startlxde &
Ctrl-O, Enter, and Ctrl-X to save the file and exit nano
sudo chmod +x /usr/bin/gol
gol
Shut down Linux:
Right click (2 finger click on Chromebook mousepad) Terminal app > select Shut down Linux > close Terminal app
Startup the desktop:
Open Terminal app > select penguin > gol
Most Linux issues are caused by ChromeOS updates, the following procedure generally fixes those issues:
Right click Terminal app > select Shut down Linux > close Terminal app
Shut down the Chromebook
Start the Chromebook back up
Put the Chromebook online
Open the Terminal app > select penguin
Wait a few moments for the terminal to start up (shouldn't take more then 10 minutes, generally this takes less time, long start up times are usually due to updates)
Execute gol script
LightDM greeter issue (login screen). The LightDM greeter clashes with the ChromeOS container design. Because of that, a login window pops up that we can't interact with and if we try to close out of it, it closes the terminal session as well.
WITHOUT closing the LightDM greeter, from the Terminal:
sudo systemctl disable lightdm
Reboot Linux, there should no longer be a password window.
More Information/Documentation:
Debian Website: www.debian.org/
Debian Handbook: debian-handbook.info/browse/stable/
LXDE Website: www.lxde.org/
Chrome/ChromeOS Documenation: www.chromium.org/chromium-projects/
Questions are welcome and encouraged. Due to the design of UA-cam's comment section, posting questions under the pinned comment or under another user's comment makes it difficult for me to find and answer questions. Please do not post your questions under the pinned comment or under other user's questions. Please create a new comment.
Ruth, your vids are great, you do have a very good style to present this Linux stuff. Highly appreciated!
Another visually appealing video full of information, great job!!!!
Excellent work! 🎉
Brilliant Ruth, best instructions I have viewed. Many thanks.
Love you Ruth, I got it to work, I had to redo the gol file after I thought everthing was finished but, all working, so very happy!
Excellent guide, very clear.
It worked thank you so much cause at first I watched one of your older videos but it did not work but after watching this new up to date version it worked
Awesome tutorial... everything worked perfectly....thumbs up!!
Thank you Ruth!
Hi, thanks. It works great but I can't change the monitor resolution! Can you help me?
Before starting up the desktop the screen resolution can be lowered to make everything bigger:
Chromebook Settings > Device > Displays > Display size.
Start up the desktop from the terminal.
Fonts can be adjusted inside the desktop from multiple places:
To adjust the majority of the fonts:
Menu > Preferences > Customize Look and Feel
Fonts can be generally be set under the Widget tab and Window Border subtabs.
Click Apply button to apply font changes.
To adjust the desktop font:
Right click desktop background > select Desktop Preferences > go to the Appearance tab
Font can be adjusted under the Text section.
To adjust the bottom taskbar font:
Right click the taskbar > select Panel Settings > go to the Appearance tab
Font can be adjusted under the Font section.
You can also adjust the size of the desktop icons:
Menu > System Tools > File Manager PCManFM
View menu > select Zoom In or Zoom Out
I have a video that covers adjusting the Display size, fonts, and icon sizes:
ua-cam.com/video/HRq_uxDMDWg/v-deo.html
Hi Ruth! I need some help. So I followed along and am getting a message Xephyr cannot open host display. Is DISPLAY set? I went back in to nano and rewrote the code and I'm still getting this error. I can't help but think I missed something. Also. Say you wanted to just scrap this and start over. How would one go about that?
Thanks!
It's sounds like you're very close to having it working. Before starting over, I recommend shutting down Linux, shutting down the Chromebook, restart the Chromebook, put the Chromebook online, start up Linux again, and try executing the gol script (6:52).
If that doesn't work, it's likely an issue with the go script. For your convenience I've included the complete install instructions. If you continue to have an issue, please copy and paste your go script (4:38).
From Terminal app:
sudo apt update -y
sudo apt dist-upgrade -y
sudo apt install task-lxde-desktop -y
sudo apt install xserver-xephyr -y
sudo apt install nano -y
sudo systemctl disable lightdm
sudo nano /usr/bin/gol
Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :20 &
sleep 5
DISPLAY=:20 startlxde &
Ctrl-O, Enter, Ctrl-X
sudo chmod +x /usr/bin/gol
gol
-------------------------------------------
Linux can be completely removed at any time from:
Chromebook Settings > About ChromeOS > Linux development environment > click the Remove button
Before i start, will this work with XFCE or other desktops? And foe this exact setup how much storage does it use?
The minimum storage needed for a minimum install is 5 GB.
-----------------------
Debian with an XFCE desktop install (screenshots shown in one of my community posts www.youtube.com/@ruthake/community the first sentence in the post is "XFCE Desktop On Debian 12 On A Chromebook!"):
Start with a fresh Linux container install:
Advanced > Developers
Click the Turn On Button
Click the Next button
Enter a Username
Select Disk Size (can be changed later)
Click the Install button
From Terminal app:
sudo apt update -y
sudo apt dist-upgrade -y
sudo apt install task-xfce-desktop -y
sudo apt install xserver-xephyr -y
sudo apt install nano -y
sudo systemctl disable lightdm
sudo nano /usr/bin/gox
Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :40 &
sleep 5
sudo -u DISPLAY=:40 startxfce4 &
Ctrl-O, Enter, Ctrl-X
sudo chmod +x /usr/bin/gox
gox
@ruthake when I run the command I get this error message: (lxsession:1027): Gtk-WARNING **: 17:16:11.322: cannot open display: 20
I would recommend shutting down Linux, shutting down the Chromebook, restart the Chromebook, put the Chromebook online, start up Linux again, and try executing the gol script (6:52).
It sounds like the ":" may be misplaced in the script:
Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :20 &
sleep 5
DISPLAY=:20 startlxde &
For your convenience I've included the complete install instructions. If you continue to have an issue, please copy and paste your go script (4:38):
From Terminal app:
sudo apt update -y
sudo apt dist-upgrade -y
sudo apt install task-lxde-desktop -y
sudo apt install xserver-xephyr -y
sudo apt install nano -y
sudo systemctl disable lightdm
sudo nano /usr/bin/gol
Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :20 &
sleep 5
DISPLAY=:20 startlxde &
Ctrl-O, Enter, Ctrl-X
sudo chmod +x /usr/bin/gol
gol
Would this work if i installed it on Debian running on WSL2 (WIndows Subsystem for Linux version 2) rather than on a chromebook? My laptop natively runs windows, but WSL2 lets linux run almost like it is installed directly on the hardware, I already run Win-Kex on kali linux, but want to test debian so i can write scripts for my sister to use on her own, however having a GUI rather than CLI will make this easier.
I do not have any experience with WSL. I would recommend installing Linux on an SD card (running Linux from an SD card connected by a USB adapter), this would allow you to run full blown Debian Linux without interfering with Windows.
Theoretically, Xephyr should allow you to run a desktop. Here's a Debian Wiki page on WSL:
wiki.debian.org/InstallingDebianOn/Microsoft/Windows/SubsystemForLinux
Wonderful explaining. Thank you. How i change screen resolution? icons and fonts are looks very small.
Before starting up the desktop the screen resolution can be lowered to make everything bigger:
Chromebook Settings > Device > Displays > Display size.
Start up the desktop from the terminal.
Fonts can be adjusted inside the desktop from multiple places:
To adjust the majority of the fonts:
Menu > Preferences > Customize Look and Feel
Fonts can be generally be set under the Widget tab and Window Border subtabs.
Click Apply button to apply font changes.
To adjust the desktop font:
Right click desktop background > select Desktop Preferences > go to the Appearance tab
Font can be adjusted under the Text section.
To adjust the bottom taskbar font:
Right click the taskbar > select Panel Settings > go to the Appearance tab
Font can be adjusted under the Font section.
You can also adjust the size of the desktop icons:
Menu > System Tools > File Manager PCManFM
View menu > select Zoom In or Zoom Out
I have a video that covers adjusting the Display size, fonts, and icon sizes:
ua-cam.com/video/7fqpNJl3aDc/v-deo.html
-------------------------
Here's a method for enlarging the entire desktop, this has been an ongoing area of research. We've tried hundreds of combinations, don't hesitate to experiment. 0.5 doubles the screen size, 2 is half size, decimals can be used (ex. --scale=0.671):
sommelier -X --scale=0.5 Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :20 &
sleep 5
DISPLAY=:20 startlxde &
Reboot Linux and startup the desktop again for the scale to take affect.
For reference this is the unmodified version of the go script:
Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :20 &
sleep 5
DISPLAY=:20 startlxde &
For a sommelier quick reference from a terminal:
sommelier --help
Sommelier Documentation:
chromium.googlesource.com/chromiumos/platform2/+/HEAD/vm_tools/sommelier/
I have a video that goes into detail on Sommelier:
ua-cam.com/video/2Rpnudnjc1g/v-deo.html
Hi, have you tried to see if the Dev. Env. Penguin could be installed on an external disk for a chromebook.
I am not aware of any way to integrate external storage with a Chromebook. External storage is useful for storing data files (documents, music files, video files, etc.).
Here are some various ways to view storage from a terminal, note that fstab is not used:
cat /etc/fstab
mount
lsblk
df -h
From a crosh terminal (Alt+Ctrl+T from the ChromeOS home screen, or chrome-untrusted://crosh from the Chrome browser):
vmc start termina
lxc --help
lxc list
LXC/LXD links you may find helpful:
discuss.linuxcontainers.org/t/using-lxd-on-your-chromebook/3823
documentation.ubuntu.com/lxd/en/stable-4.0/storage/
i get a thing that says no session for pid 705 is that normal?
Yes this is normal, you can safely ignore the error and click the OK button.
Thanks it worked this time your the best
I get a “Gtk-WARNING **: 14:19:48:067: cannot open display: 20:” and on the next line I get “Xephyr cannot open open host display. Is DISPLAY set?”. So all my commands are good but got stuck here.
It sounds like the colon is after 20 instead of before 20. Here's a copy of the go script for reference. If you continue to experience issues, please copy and paste your go script (4:37) along with any error messages:
Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :20 &
sleep 5
DISPLAY=:20 startlxde &
-----------------------
For your convenience, here are the complete install instructions:
To enable Linux from Chromebook Settings:
Search for Linux > select Set up Linux development environment
Click the Set up Button
Click the Next button
Enter a Username
Select Disk Size (can be changed later)
Click the Install button
To get a LXDE desktop:
From Terminal app:
sudo apt update -y
sudo apt dist-upgrade -y
sudo apt install task-lxde-desktop -y
sudo apt install xserver-xephyr -y
sudo apt install nano -y
sudo systemctl disable lightdm
sudo nano /usr/bin/gol
Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :20 &
sleep 5
DISPLAY=:20 startlxde &
Ctrl-O, Enter, Ctrl-X
sudo chmod +x /usr/bin/gol
gol
I am actually doing this right now. Before doing the gol command to start the desktop you must exit the terminal by bringing up the right click menu of the terminal icon in your task bar and choosing to shut down Linux. Then get back into your terminal and do the gol command.
@@DireNeeds So I finally got it I just had to restart the Chromebook.
hello @ruthake I followed all the steps which I appreciated greatly but am getting a black screen after starting up lxde that says DISPLAY:command not found. Any idea how to fix? I've rebooted the machine after shutting down server but the problem persists
nevermind got it going thanks!
How can we get an external USB CD/DVD DRIVE to work on the Debian Linux container on Chromebook?
To access a USB stick from Linux:
Open the ChromeOS Files app and plug in the USB stick.
Right click the USB stick and select Share with Linux.
From the Linux side, the USB stick will be available at:
/mnt/chromeos/removable
To unshare any shared storage with Linux:
Open ChromeOS Settings.
Go to About ChromeOS > Linux development environment > Manage shared folders
Click the x next to the name of the storage to unshare it.
ChromeOS does not currently support CDs and DVDs.
my web browser isnt loading up
To see if the Linux side is connecting to the internet, try pinging Google from a terminal:
ping www.google.com
Ctrl-C to stop the ping
If the internet is working, try running the browser from a terminal and copy and paste the output here.
Great guide! I got an error "Xephyr cannot open host display. Is DISPLAY set?" Any tips?
never mind. it doesn’t show up anymore
SO good. Thank you for this. You should post a 'buy me a coffee' link so we can tip for the service!
In terms of security on a EAU Chromebook: Would running a browser inside the container be more, less, or the same? I'm especially interested because I bank on line. Wonderful video, works great, thanks.
I'm not a security specialist, that is beyond the scope of my channel.
Here's a few links you may be interested in:
Article about Apple:
www.apple.com/customer-letter/
Naomi Brockwell TV Channel:
www.youtube.com/@naomibrockwelltv
SecurityFWD Channel (Current):
www.youtube.com/@SecurityFWD
Nullbyte Channel (Original):
www.youtube.com/@NullByteWHT
What happened to Nullbyte?:
ua-cam.com/video/5MsTm-v0ykQ/v-deo.html
Privacy Linux Distro:
tails.net/
awesome! thanks for sharing
would this work with different desktops?
Some Desktops can peacefully coexist and even run at the same time, use a different DISPLAY id if you intend to run them at the same time.
The following desktops were tested with Debian 12:
XFCE Desktop:
Install: task-xfce-desktop
Create the file: /usr/bin/gox
Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :40 &
sleep 5
sudo -u DISPLAY=:40 startxfce4 &
The following desktops were tested with Debian 11.
KDE Desktop:
Install: task-kde-desktop
Create the file: /usr/bin/gok
Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :40 &
sleep 5
DISPLAY=:40 startplasma-x11 &
GNOME Desktop:
Install: task-gnome-desktop, mutter
In the script below, the ChromeOS display size is 1518x853. 33 has been subtracted from the height to compensate for the top bar. You may have to experiment with the height. The display size can be found in Chromebook Settings > Device > Displays > Display size.
Create the file: /usr/bin/gog
export MUTTER_DEBUG_DUMMY_MODE_SPECS=1518x820
sleep 5
gnome-shell --nested --wayland &> /dev/null &
IceWM Desktop:
Install: icewm
Create the file: /usr/bin/goice
Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :40 &
sleep 5
DISPLAY=:40 icewm-session &
Menu → Settings → Themes → NanoBlue
TWM Desktop:
Install: twm, suckless-tools, nitrogen
Create the file: /usr/bin/got
Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :40 &
sleep 5
DISPLAY=:40 twm &> /dev/null &
DISPLAY=:40 nitrogen --restore &> /dev/null &
Create the run command file TWMRC for TWM configuration: ~/.twmrc
ShowIconManager
IconifyByUnmapping
Button3 = : root : ! “dmenu_run -fn ‘Mono-20’ &> /dev/null &”
Mouse is invisible until first app opens. Right click the desktop to run Dmenu.
Run Nitrogen first to setup the wallpaper.
To shut down TWM, do killall Xephyr in Chromebook Terminal and then do a regular Linux shutdown
THX SOOO MUCH i wash just about to say it didnt woork then gnome just lloaded!
Hello, mine showed "permission denied" after i entered gol
It sounds like the script doesn't have execute permissions. I recommend the following command, from a terminal:
sudo chmod +x /usr/bin/gol
For your convenience, here's the complete instructions:
From Terminal app:
sudo apt update -y
sudo apt dist-upgrade -y
sudo apt install task-lxde-desktop -y
sudo apt install xserver-xephyr -y
sudo apt install nano -y
sudo systemctl disable lightdm
sudo nano /usr/bin/gol
Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :20 &
sleep 5
DISPLAY=:20 startlxde &
Ctrl-O, Enter, Ctrl-X
sudo chmod +x /usr/bin/gol
gol
Can you run multiple distros?
Canonical, the primary source for containers has discontinued making containers. You can clone and modify the penguin Debian container. In some cases it may be possible to turn one distro into another one. Containers require bridge software. Multiple containers can run at the same time.
Canonical is no longer supporting LXC:
discuss.linuxcontainers.org/t/important-notice-for-lxd-users-image-server/18479
There are older articles:
wiki.archlinux.org/title/Chrome_OS_devices/Crostini
ubuntu.com/tutorials/install-ubuntu-on-chromebook#1-overview
ChromeOS runs Linux in a nested structure:
ChromeOS / CROSH -> VM / Termina -> LXC Container / penguin
There are 2 ways to start up a CROSH terminal:
Alt+Ctrl+T
From the ChromeOS Chrome browser:
URL: chrome-untrusted://crosh
VM / Termina
VMC list, start, stop, reconnect, destroy (USE DESTROY WITH CAUTION), and help:
vmc list
vmc start termina
vmc stop termina
vsh termina
vmc destroy termina
vmc --help
LXC Container / penguin
List, start, stop, connect user, connect root (it's dash dash space bash), help. In order to issue an lxc stop command, you must first exit the container:
lxc list
lxc start penguin
lxc stop penguin
lxc exec penguin su -
lxc exec penguin -- bash
lxc --help
You may find it helpful to clone a container. A container must be stopped before it can be cloned:
lxc copy penguin mycontainer
lxc list
lxc start mycontainer
lxc stop mycontainer
lxc exec mycontainer su -
lxc exec mycontainer -- bash
Example session:
Alt+Ctrl+T
vmc start termina
lxc start penguin
lxc exec penguin su -
gol
exit
lxc stop penguin
exit
vmc stop termina
exit
------------------------------------
The issue with non Google containers, is the bridge software that connects the container to the outside world. This will affect communications and GUI applications. Cros Container Guest Tools is Google's bridge software (chromium.googlesource.com/chromiumos/containers/cros-container-guest-tools/ ). Bazel build is the install software recommended by Google. By default, Google uses Canonical (Ubuntu) containers.
Here's a list of ChromeOS definitions and links: www.chromium.org/chromium-os/developer-library/guides/containers/containers-and-vms/
@@ruthakethank you
Can we change the HOSTNAME from penguin to something else without messing up everything in your videos? For example, I HAVE TWO CHROMEBOOKS WITH YOUR LINUX INSTALLED, so I want to be able to SSH & scp between them but they don't have the same basic IP Address as my local LAN, so apparently the Chromebook Terminal App sets all that up when we click on "SSH"
You will need to use your Chromebook's IP and open ports from Chromebook Settings > About ChromeOS > Developers > Linux development environment > Port forwarding.
You will also likely have to configure SSH to use a higher port number.
some apps open outside Xephyr, for example lxterminal, firefox for example does launch inside Xephyr, anyone knows why?
Here's a video that covers running apps inside the desktop (it's not always possible to run an app inside the desktop, it depends on how the program is coded):
ua-cam.com/video/duwJHojF1kc/v-deo.html
Here's a video that covers running apps outside the desktop with sommelier:
ua-cam.com/video/2Rpnudnjc1g/v-deo.html
@@ruthake that worked, thank you
I did everything you said but when i got to the browser it was a black screen?
It sounds like there is an issue with the go script. Please copy and paste your go script. Here's a copy of the complete go script:
Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :20 &
sleep 5
DISPLAY=:20 startlxde &
---------------------------
Here's a copy of the complete instructions for your convenience:
From the Terminal app:
sudo apt update -y
sudo apt dist-upgrade -y
sudo apt install task-lxde-desktop -y
sudo apt install xserver-xephyr -y
sudo apt install nano -y
sudo systemctl disable lightdm
sudo nano /usr/bin/gol
Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :20 &
sleep 5
DISPLAY=:20 startlxde &
Ctrl-O, Enter, Ctrl-X
sudo chmod +x /usr/bin/gol
gol
@@ruthake just did some adjusting and i finally got it to work! thanks a ton!
Great Vid, clear and working instructions!! Thank you!
Once my desktop starts the resolution is so small I can barely read anything, it seems to be in 2400x1600 and there is no option to change it. Any ideas?
I've been working on scripts to allow the scale to be set when the desktop is started. A video on scaling the desktop on a Chromebook with scripts is in the works. I've tested these scripts with Debian. The script below uses sommelier to set the desktop screen size with a set scale:
To adjust the desktop size with this script, change the scale value. .5 is double the size, and 2 is half the size. If I wanted to make my screen 20% bigger, I would add 20 to 100 and then divide 100 by 120 which equals .83 which is 83%. What this means is my current screen is 83% as big as I would like it to be.
sudo killall Xephyr &> /dev/null
sudo rm /tmp/.X20-lock &> /dev/null
sleep 3
sommelier -X --scale=.83 --glamor \
Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :20 \
&> /dev/null &
sleep 3
sudo -u env XDG_RUNTIME_DIR=/run/user/1000 \
GDK_BACKEND=x11 \
PATH=/usr/local/bin:/usr/bin:\
/usr/local/games:/usr/games \
DISPLAY=:20 startlxde &> /dev/null &
This may adversely affect any programs that use previously used prefixes such as "env GDK_BACKEND=x11". Removing the prefix for the program should fix this.
For more info on sommelier from a terminal (it's dash dash help):
sommelier --help
More advanced scaling scripts are in the pinned comment of my Linux On A Chromebook Without Rooting! UA-cam short:
ua-cam.com/users/shortsqOAY9Yw1Enk
For additional scaling options, you may be interested in:
ua-cam.com/video/7fqpNJl3aDc/v-deo.html
@@ruthake Thank you very much. It's been a few years since I've worked with Linux and I appreciate the help. If I could just replace ChromeOS with Linux I would 😀 I'll test this tomorrow and see how it goes
Does this also work on ChromeOS Flex?
I have not specifically used ChromeOS Flex, but I believe the process is the same. Linux can be installed and deleted as many times as desired from Chromebook Settings > About ChromeOS > Developers > Linux development environment. Or just search for Linux in Chromebook Settings.
Base Install:
ua-cam.com/video/4bKeaVw_eqc/v-deo.html
Desktop Install:
ua-cam.com/video/Ea6xKZD41hI/v-deo.html
----------------------------------
For your convenience, here are the complete install instructions:
To enable Linux from Chromebook Settings:
Search for Linux > select Set up Linux development environment
Click the Set up Button
Click the Next button
Enter a Username
Select Disk Size (can be changed later)
Click the Install button
To get a LXDE desktop:
From Terminal app:
sudo apt update -y
sudo apt dist-upgrade -y
sudo apt install task-lxde-desktop -y
sudo apt install xserver-xephyr -y
sudo apt install nano -y
sudo systemctl disable lightdm
sudo nano /usr/bin/gol
Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :20 &
sleep 5
DISPLAY=:20 startlxde &
Ctrl-O, Enter, Ctrl-X
sudo chmod +x /usr/bin/gol
gol
@@ruthake Thank you very much! I will give it a try, and let you know how it turns out. I use the LXDE desktop on my 32-bit architecture test machines, including on Debian 12. If this works, it will make my ChromeOS test machine more useful. I develop and support the KeyMusician Keyboard application.
Well, it worked on ChromeOS Flex, for the most part. My application, running on the LXDE desktop, can position all of its windows, and even access the browser to access the Help and Tutorials. There are big problems with audio that will have to be puzzled-out. I got it to work once with JACK and QSynth. But never again. Shutting down the desktop was a problem, because it didn't work the same as you demonstrated in the video. Right-clicking on the terminal's tray icon didn't give me the option to shut down Linux - only to close it. I entered the terminal, and did a control-C, which seemed to stop the desktop. There appears to be a shelf icon for the desktop itself, but right-clicking it yields only the option to close it (not to shut down Linux).
Thank you for the feedback!
This script may be a helpful alternative to shutting down the desktop:
nano /usr/bin/gostop
sudo killall Xephyr &> /dev/null &
sudo rm /tmp/.X20-lock &> /dev/null &
Ctrl+O, Enter, and Ctrl+X to save the file and exit nano.
sudo chmod +x /usr/bin/gostop
To shut down Linux from the ChromeOS Terminal app:
gostop
exit
--------------------------
If an application does not have sound, here's an option you may want to try:
env XDG_RUNTIME_DIR=/run/user/1000 GDK_BACKEND=x11
If that doesn't work, try (the bigger the number the smaller the screen, the smaller the number the larger the screen):
sommelier -X --scale=1.2 --glamor
For awareness:
ALSA (Advanced Linux Sound Architecture) - Kernel based sound service.
PulseAudio - A depreciated sound server.
JACK (JACK Audio Connection Kit) - A depreciated sound server.
PipeWire - Handles multimedia for Linux such as audio. PipeWire is replacing PulseAudio and JACK sound servers.
WirePlumber - Manages PipeWire.
XDG (Cross-System Group) - XDG environmental variables help programs find things like PipeWire and D-Bus.
D-Bus (Desktop Bus) - An IPC (InterProcess Communications) middleware meaning it helps programs talk to each other.
@@ruthake Thanks. This does allow me to shut down the LXDE desktop cleanly. The KeyMusician Keyboard ran on it, using QSynth and JACK, connected to a USB audio interface. To my surprise, even with this audio arrangement, there was a lot of (too much) latency for live performance. I tried the same thing on the ChromeOS Flex desktop, and it has the same excessive latency. Apparently changes have gone in causing that. It used to have a noticeable, but not too large, amount of latency. It seems to be yet another chapter in the saga of my testing on Chromebook or ChromeOS Flex. There's always some "gotcha" that makes it unusable, or marginally usable, no matter what you try. I am beginning to conclude, that with Chromebook or ChromeOS Flex, the only winning move is not to play...
awsome i got it first try!!!!!
How old is this Linux software?
2008 - Linux containers created (LXC)
2018 - Chromebooks start running Linux
2021 - Chromebook Linux no longer in Beta
This is the list of ChromeOS systems supporting Linux on ChromeOS:
www.chromium.org/chromium-os/chrome-os-systems-supporting-linux/
Update on containers:
discuss.linuxcontainers.org/t/important-notice-for-lxd-users-image-server/18479
Will this work on a outdated Chromebook and would i still get the latest security updates in Linux on my Chromebook?
I believe this what you are looking for:
support.google.com/chrome/a/answer/6220366?hl=en#zippy=
There are more aggressive methods of installing Linux. The Chrome Unboxed Team covers alternative methods for installing Linux on Chromebooks.
Chrome Unboxed Links:
www.youtube.com/@chromeunboxed
chromeunboxed.com/
Rooting is a line I don't cross because it can destroy someone's Chromebook. On a Chromebook, developer mode is rooting. This will also erase everything on your Chromebook.
I recommend creating a recovery chip before going into developer mode. If the firmware is damaged, the recovery chip won't work:
chromewebstore.google.com/detail/chromebook-recovery-utili/pocpnlppkickgojjlmhdmidojbmbodfm?pli=1
Here's the official Google documentation for developer mode:
www.chromium.org/chromium-os/developer-library/guides/device/developer-mode/
Here's a website dedicated to rooting a Chromebook:
mrchromebox.tech/
I have a Lenovo N23 so my updates ended in june 2022,can i install Linux along side Chrome OS without rooting?
It looks like Lenovo N23 supports Linux on ChromeOS:
www.chromium.org/chromium-os/chrome-os-systems-supporting-linux/
You may wish to see if the Linux development environment is available from Chromebook Settings > Advanced > Developers > Linux development environment. If the option is there, then you can try following my videos:
Install Linux On A Chromebook (No Rooting!):
ua-cam.com/video/4bKeaVw_eqc/v-deo.html
How To Install And Get A Linux Desktop On A Chromebook! (No Rooting!):
ua-cam.com/video/Ea6xKZD41hI/v-deo.html&lc
Side loading Linux on ChromeOS is beyond the scope of what I do.
Will this work with lxqt?
I have not tested lxqt. Here are some desktops I've tested. Some Desktops can peacefully coexist and even run at the same time, use a different DISPLAY id if you intend to run them at the same time. is your user id. The following desktops were tested with Debian 11.
KDE Desktop:
Install: task-kde-desktop
Create the file: /usr/bin/gok
Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :40 &
sleep 5
DISPLAY=:40 startplasma-x11 &
XFCE Desktop:
Install: task-xfce-desktop
Create the file: /usr/bin/gox
Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :40 &
sleep 5
pkexec --user env DISPLAY=:40 startxfce4 &> /dev/null &
GNOME Desktop:
Install: task-gnome-desktop, mutter
In the script below, the ChromeOS display size is 1518x853. 33 has been subtracted from the height to compensate for the top bar. You may have to experiment with the height. The display size can be found in Chromebook Settings > Device > Displays > Display size.
Create the file: /usr/bin/gog
export MUTTER_DEBUG_DUMMY_MODE_SPECS=1518x820
sleep 5
gnome-shell --nested --wayland &> /dev/null &
IceWM Desktop:
Install: icewm
Create the file: /usr/bin/goice
Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :40 &
sleep 5
DISPLAY=:40 icewm-session &
Menu → Settings → Themes → NanoBlue
TWM Desktop:
Install: twm, suckless-tools, nitrogen
Create the file: /usr/bin/got
Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :40 &
sleep 5
DISPLAY=:40 twm &> /dev/null &
DISPLAY=:40 nitrogen --restore &> /dev/null &
Create the run command file TWMRC for TWM configuration: ~/.twmrc
ShowIconManager
IconifyByUnmapping
Button3 = : root : ! “dmenu_run -fn ‘Mono-20’ &> /dev/null &”
Mouse is invisible until first app opens. Right click the desktop to run Dmenu.
Run Nitrogen first to setup the wallpaper.
To shut down TWM, do killall Xephyr in Chromebook Terminal and then do a regular Linux shutdown
@@ruthake heard it prolly will work thanks for the tutorial
Can we install LINUX on a microSD Card in the Chromebook?
No, Chromebooks have been designed to boot their recovery system from an SD card.
Chromebook Recovery Utility:
chromewebstore.google.com/detail/chromebook-recovery-utili/pocpnlppkickgojjlmhdmidojbmbodfm?pli=1
Hello Ruth, how to delete/uninstall this linux desktop, i need more space storage 😁
Linux can be completely removed from Linux development environment in Chromebook Settings, and click on the Remove button.
The Linux storage can be adjusted at any time from Linux development environment in Chromebook Settings, and click on the Change button for Disk size.
You may also be interested in the Disk Usage Analyzer. Install baobab. Open from Menu > System Tools > Disk Usage Analyzer.
Removing just the LXDE desktop will likely make Linux dysfunctional. It may be easier to uninstall Linux and reinstall Linux without the desktop, and then install a lighter weight desktop such as IceWM (takes about 1 min to install. I strongly recommend changing the theme to NanoBlue.):
sudo apt update -y
sudo apt dist-upgrade -y
sudo apt install icewm -y
sudo nano /usr/bin/goice
Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :20 &
sleep 5
DISPLAY=:20 icewm-session &
Ctrl+O, Enter, and Ctrl+X to save the file and exit nano.
sudo chmod +x /usr/bin/goice
goice
Menu > Settings > Themes > NanoBlue
It said that cannot open display: :20
I would recommend shutting down Linux, shutting down the Chromebook, restart the Chromebook, put the Chromebook online, start up Linux again, and try executing the gol script (6:52).
For your convenience I've included the complete install instructions. If you continue to have an issue, please copy and paste your go script (4:38):
From Terminal app:
sudo apt update -y
sudo apt dist-upgrade -y
sudo apt install task-lxde-desktop -y
sudo apt install xserver-xephyr -y
sudo apt install nano -y
sudo systemctl disable lightdm
sudo nano /usr/bin/gol
Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :20 &
sleep 5
DISPLAY=:20 startlxde &
Ctrl-O, Enter, Ctrl-X
sudo chmod +x /usr/bin/gol
gol
new here and really work buh, can I install wine application on it
I have not experimented with Wine. Here is an article that covers Wine on Chromebooks:
alvarotrigo.com/blog/wine-chromebook/
You may also be interested in:
chromeunboxed.com/run-a-variety-of-virtual-machines-on-your-chromebook-with-gnome-boxes/
how to delete it if I don't want it anymore
Linux can be completely removed at any time from:
Chromebook Settings > About ChromeOS > Linux development environment > click the Remove button
@@ruthake how do i delete only the desktop
@@YvonneJoku
I would recommend removing Linux, and reinstalling Linux without the LXDE desktop. Generally, trying to remove a desktop will break Linux. The LXDE desktop would best be removed one component at a time. Some desktops can peacefully coexist with LXDE such as i3wm, TWM, and IceWM.
---------------------------------------
Questions are welcome and encouraged. Due to the design of UA-cam's comment section, posting questions under the pinned comment or under another user's comment makes it difficult for me to find and answer questions. Please do not post your questions under the pinned comment or under other user's questions. Please create a new comment.
how installl xfce debian 12
Some Desktops can peacefully coexist and even run at the same time, use a different DISPLAY id if you intend to run them at the same time. is your user id. These have not yet been tested with Debian 12.
KDE Desktop:
Install: task-kde-desktop
Create the file: /usr/bin/gok
Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :40 &
sleep 5
DISPLAY=:40 startplasma-x11 &
XFCE Desktop:
Install: task-xfce-desktop
Create the file: /usr/bin/gox
Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :40 &
sleep 5
pkexec --user env DISPLAY=:40 startxfce4 &> /dev/null &
GNOME Desktop:
Install: task-gnome-desktop, mutter
In the script below, the ChromeOS display size is 1518x853. 33 has been subtracted from the height to compensate for the top bar. You may have to experiment with the height. The display size can be found in Chromebook Settings > Device > Displays > Display size.
Create the file: /usr/bin/gog
export MUTTER_DEBUG_DUMMY_MODE_SPECS=1518x820
sleep 5
gnome-shell --nested --wayland &> /dev/null &
IceWM Desktop:
Install: icewm
Create the file: /usr/bin/goice
Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :40 &
sleep 5
DISPLAY=:40 icewm-session &
Menu → Settings → Themes → NanoBlue
TWM Desktop:
Install: twm, suckless-tools, nitrogen
Create the file: /usr/bin/got
Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :40 &
sleep 5
DISPLAY=:40 twm &> /dev/null &
DISPLAY=:40 nitrogen --restore &> /dev/null &
Create the run command file TWMRC for TWM configuration: ~/.twmrc
ShowIconManager
IconifyByUnmapping
Button3 = : root : ! “dmenu_run -fn ‘Mono-20’ &> /dev/null &”
Mouse is invisible until first app opens. Right click the desktop to run Dmenu.
Run Nitrogen first to setup the wallpaper.
To shut down TWM, do killall Xephyr in Chromebook Terminal and then do a regular Linux shutdown
thanks ruth❤
you should make a video how to run .exe using Linux I can't like do you have to have Ubuntu that's the only thing UA-cam has using wine. any help would be awesome
I have not tested running Windows apps on ChromeOS. Wine should allow you to run .exe files. Here's an article about running Wine on a Chromebook:
beebom.com/how-use-windows-10-apps-chromebook-using-wine/
You may also be interested in virtual machines:
chromeunboxed.com/run-a-variety-of-virtual-machines-on-your-chromebook-with-gnome-boxes/
really awesome video! I wonder if it'll work on my arm chromeOS device (it's a lenovo duet with a mediatek hardware) :P probably all the Debian packages are amd64
I also have a Lenovo Duet, I love my portable 8 core monster! Linux runs without any issues.
@@ruthake hooooly, it worked 🤣🤣♥ I had so much fun. And I wanted to try plasma and plasma mobile (but startkde doesn't work, so it's "XDG_SESSION_TYPE=wayland dbus-run-session startplasma-x11 (or startplasmamobile)", it worked amazing beside the mouse/touchpad not being detected 😂♥ I think I can just try to modify the gol script too. Buuut I'll also try the Lxde, probably will work even better XD
Some Desktops can peacefully coexist and even run at the same time, use a different DISPLAY id if you intend to run them at the same time.
The following desktops were tested with Debian 12:
XFCE Desktop:
Install: task-xfce-desktop
Create the file: /usr/bin/gox
Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :40 &
sleep 5
sudo -u DISPLAY=:40 startxfce4 &
The following desktops were tested with Debian 11:
KDE Desktop:
Install: task-kde-desktop
Create the file: /usr/bin/gok
Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :40 &
sleep 5
DISPLAY=:40 startplasma-x11 &
GNOME Desktop:
Install: task-gnome-desktop, mutter
In the script below, the ChromeOS display size is 1518x853. 33 has been subtracted from the height to compensate for the top bar. You may have to experiment with the height. The display size can be found in Chromebook Settings > Device > Displays > Display size.
Create the file: /usr/bin/gog
export MUTTER_DEBUG_DUMMY_MODE_SPECS=1518x820
sleep 5
gnome-shell --nested --wayland &> /dev/null &
IceWM Desktop:
Install: icewm
Create the file: /usr/bin/goice
Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :40 &
sleep 5
DISPLAY=:40 icewm-session &
Menu → Settings → Themes → NanoBlue
TWM Desktop:
Install: twm, suckless-tools, nitrogen
Create the file: /usr/bin/got
Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :40 &
sleep 5
DISPLAY=:40 twm &> /dev/null &
DISPLAY=:40 nitrogen --restore &> /dev/null &
Create the run command file TWMRC for TWM configuration: ~/.twmrc
ShowIconManager
IconifyByUnmapping
Button3 = : root : ! “dmenu_run -fn ‘Mono-20’ &> /dev/null &”
Mouse is invisible until first app opens. Right click the desktop to run Dmenu.
Run Nitrogen first to setup the wallpaper.
To shut down TWM, do killall Xephyr in Chromebook Terminal and then do a regular Linux shutdown
@@ruthake My, you're an angel, this is great material. I'll "play" with these asap :D
ruth you are very smart ngl
Hi Ruth, a black screen thats what I get. And yes, i rebooted.
If you've rebooted it while it was online, then it is likely a typo in the go script.
For your convenience I've included the complete install instructions. If you continue to have an issue, please copy and paste your go script (4:38):
From Terminal app:
sudo apt update -y
sudo apt dist-upgrade -y
sudo apt install task-lxde-desktop -y
sudo apt install xserver-xephyr -y
sudo apt install nano -y
sudo systemctl disable lightdm
sudo nano /usr/bin/gol
Xephyr -br -fullscreen -resizeable :20 &
sleep 5
DISPLAY=:20 startlxde &
Ctrl-O, Enter, Ctrl-X
sudo chmod +x /usr/bin/gol
gol
@@ruthake Tx Ruth, I just figured it out - before reading your answer. It appeared that lxde couldn't be started, so I installed lxde (full). Following your instructions .... it worked. It's nice. Thank you for your instructional video.
Do one with openbox please
LXDE uses Openbox as the window manager:
openbox.org/wiki/LXDE
Here's an example on installing and configuring Openbox:
www.maketecheasier.com/configure-andcustomize-openbox/
okay nice got you ill do this install then strip everything down. I like just a openbox desktop and nothing else lol@@ruthake
next install ubuntu on chromebook no rooting please
Here's a complete set of instructions for installing a Ubuntu container: ubuntu.com/tutorials/install-ubuntu-on-chromebook#1-overview
Here's a list of ChromeOS definitions and links: www.chromium.org/chromium-os/developer-library/guides/containers/containers-and-vms/
I believe the most difficult part will be with the bridge software.
you are awesome
🥰😍
cute