GalliumOS
GalliumOS is a Linux distribution for ChromeOS devices, developed by the community-supported GalliumOS project. The distribution is made for Chrome hardware including Chromebook, Chromebox, Chromebit and Chromebase. GalliumOS beta1 was released on 10 November 2015.
 | |
| OS family | Linux (Unix-like) |
|---|---|
| Working state | Discontinued |
| Initial release | 10 November 2015 |
| Latest release | 3.1 / 22 December 2019 |
| Latest preview | 3.1 / 22 December 2019 |
| Available in | i18n |
| Update method | apt |
| Package manager | dpkg |
| Platforms | x86-64 |
| Userland | GNU General Public License |
| Default user interface | Xfce |
| License | Various |
| Official website | galliumos |
Features
GalliumOS is based on Xubuntu and maintains compatibility with the Ubuntu repositories.[1] Multiple sources indicate that Galliums' boot time is faster than other Linux distributions made for ChromeOS. It is optimized to limit stalls and has integrated touchpad drivers.[2][3]
GalliumOS is compatible with some ChromeOS devices. It is necessary to prepare the device in different ways based on the hardware chipset.
As of 2022, the GalliumOS project has been discontinued. Their wiki advises existing GalliumOS users to migrate to another Linux OS due to security hazards.
Prerequisites
Some Chromebooks require a third-party firmware update before they can boot other operating systems, including GalliumOS. Chromebook firmware can be updated after disabling hardware write-protect, a process that varies by model. A firmware installer script is available for most models, written by MrChromebox.
References
- Lynch, Jim (12 November 2015). "GalliumOS Linux beta released for Chromebooks and Chromeboxes". InfoWorld. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
- Wallen, Jack (4 December 2015). "GalliumOS: The Ideal Linux Distribution for Chromebook Hardware". Linux.com. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
- Porup, J.M. (19 June 2017). "How to install Linux on a Chromebook (and why you should)". Art Technica. Retrieved 5 May 2018.
