How to Open the Linux Terminal on a Chromebook
Since ChromeOS 147, new Linux installs use the container-free Baguette setup, so the Terminal app may not show the 'penguin' entry this guide tells you to click. Linux is now turned on from Settings > About ChromeOS > Developers. The apt commands still apply.
Chromebooks have gained popularity over the years, thanks to their affordable prices, portability, and user-friendly interface. However, they do come with some limitations, especially when it comes to installing software that isn’t available on the Chrome OS. That’s where Linux comes in. Linux is an open-source operating system that you can install on your Chromebook to expand its capabilities.
To install Linux apps on your Chromebook, you have to use the Terminal. The Terminal on the Chromebook is a productivity-focused tool. It is the access point to the Linux Development Environment on your ChromeOS. But to use the Linux terminal on your Chromebook, you have to install Linux on your device. Here is a complete guide on; how to open the Linux Terminal on a Chromebook. We will also discuss how to customize the Terminal appearance and behavior.
How to Open the Linux Terminal on a Chromebook
First, you have to install the Linux development environment on your Chromebook. Once the Linux is successfully installed, you can follow the below-mentioned steps to open and use the Linux Terminal app:
Step 1: Click on the App Launcher icon.
Step 2: Now look for the Linux app folder and click the Terminal icon to open it.
Screenshot not in the archive: Accessing Terminal on Chromebook
Step 3: It will open the Linux Terminal app. To open the terminal command, click on the Penguin option.
Screenshot not in the archive: Highlighted Penguiun Option on the Linux Terminal
Step 4: After that, you’re ready to run the Linux Terminal command on your Chromebook. Using it, you can download and install a Linux desktop application on your ChromeOS.
Screenshot not in the archive: Linux Terminal Interface
Step 5: You can also pin the Terminal to the shelf of the Chromebook for quick access. Right-click the terminal icon and select the Pin option from the context menu.
Step 6: Now, you can use the shortcut to quickly access the Terminal.
Screenshot not in the archive: Pinning Terminal to the Shelf
Tips for Using the Linux Terminal on Chromebook
On Chromebook, the Linux terminal is mainly used for updating the Linux development environment and installing Linux applications. However, to do so, you need to know the terminal commands. Here are the commands you can use:
Step 1: Update Linux Environment: For that, run the following terminal commands one by one.
sudo apt update sudo apt upgrade Step 2: Install Linux Apps: To install Linux apps, you can run: “sudo apt install package-name”. For example, to install the VLC Media Player, run:
sudo apt install vlcHow to Customize the Linux Terminal Interface
If you don’t like the default black and green theme of the Linux terminal, then you can customize the Linux terminal interface.
To do that, follow the steps mentioned below:
Step 1: Open the Terminal app.
Step 2: Click on Terminal Settings to access the customization option.
Screenshot not in the archive: Customize Linux Terminal on Chromebook
Step 3: A new window will appear. Here, select Appearance from the menu to change the terminal theme, background color, text color and style, and other settings.
Step 4: Now, you’ll get all the options and settings to change the appearance of the Linux Terminal interface.
Screenshot not in the archive: Chromebook Terminal Settings
Conclusion
Opening the Linux Terminal on your Chromebook can be a game-changer for users seeking more control over their computing experience. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can unlock the power of the command line and explore the world of Linux on your Chromebook. Whether you’re a developer, a system administrator, or just a curious user, the Linux Terminal opens up a realm of possibilities for customization and productivity on your Chromebook.
That’s it; this is how you can open the Linux Terminal on your Chromebook. You can also check our guide on how to use the Linux Terminal to install Linux apps on your Chromebook. I hope this Chromebook guide was helpful to you. Moreover, if you have some suggestions, do not hesitate to leave them in the comments section. We are always there to assist you.
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Written in 2023 for the ChromeOS and Chrome versions of that time, so menus may look different today. Restored from the Internet Archive copy of 2024-10-05. 6 of 6 screenshots were not saved by the archive; their captions are kept in the text.