Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Computing
  3. News

Older Chromebooks may not run Linux programs due to outdated software

By
pixelbook vs. macbook pro

Not all Chromebooks will support Linux software when the feature comes to Chrome OS later this year. So far, 14 devices may be excluded from the list including Google’s own Chromebook Pixel introduced in 2015. The current list, generated on Reddit, consists of four models from Acer, four models from Asus, two from AOpen, and more.

Google revealed support for Linux software on Chrome OS during its developer conference earlier this year. The idea is for developers to test their Android- and web-based apps on Chromebooks. Linux would run inside a virtual machine designed specifically for Chrome OS, which is simply an emulated high-end computer running within your PC’s real-world system memory.

Recommended Videos

“It starts in seconds and integrates completely with Chromebook features. Linux apps can start with a click of an icon, windows can be moved around, and files can be opened directly from apps,” Google said in May.

Therein lies the problem. Support for virtual machines didn’t appear in the Linux kernel (aka core) until version 4.8. That said, Google may update the operating system on Chromebooks, but the Linux core will remain the same. Chromebooks now appearing on the makeshift blacklist are based on the Linux 3.14 kernel and will never see an upgrade, making them incapable of running virtual machines.

The kernel is the pure core of an operating system. With Linux, one kernel is made available for free, enabling developers to create an operating system around this core. Examples include Ubuntu, Debian, Android, Chrome OS and so on. Android devices actually suffer a similar issue: Phones and tablets may receive a few updates throughout the year, but never an upgrade to the actual core. New kernels are typically introduced when Google releases a new version of Android.

Meanwhile, Google’s list of Chromebooks supporting Android isn’t quite so short. A beta version of Android support appeared in 2014, but unlike Google’s plans for Linux software, apps run natively on Chrome OS within a software “container.” These sandboxed bubbles provide apps access to key Chrome OS services and hardware without changes to their code.

That said, Linux-based software will run on a virtual machine, but that emulated PC will still reside within a sandboxed software container. Keep in mind that virtual machines and containers are not the same: Virtual machines emulate high-end PCs while containers create an isolated “bubble” within the kernel to provide specific resources to software. Running a virtual machine means Chromebook owners won’t be forced to reboot the device into Developer Mode.

Google dubs this Linux push on Chrome OS as Project Crostini. When support for Linux software actually arrives on Chrome OS is up in the air for now although Google states “this year.” Given a virtual machine is involved, not all Chromebooks will be able to support Linux software anyway due to hardware limitations, not just the outdated Linux kernel issue.

Check out our list of the best Chromebooks you can buy for 2018 right here.

Topics
Kevin Parrish
Kevin Parrish
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kevin started taking PCs apart in the 90s when Quake was on the way and his PC lacked the required components. Since then…
Trying to buy a GPU in 2023 almost makes me miss the shortage
Two AMD Radeon RX 7000 graphics cards on a pink surface.

The days of the GPU shortage are long over, but somehow, buying a GPU is harder than ever -- and that sentiment has very little to do with stock levels. It's just that there are no obvious candidates when shopping anymore.

In a generation where no single GPU stands out as the single best graphics card, it's hard to jump on board with the latest from AMD and Nvidia. I don't want to see another GPU shortage, but the state of the graphics card market is far from where it should be.
This generation is all over the place

Read more
HP printers are heavily discounted in Best Buy’s flash sale
The HP - OfficeJet Pro 8034e Wireless All-In-One Inkjet Printer on a desk with a smartphone.

There’s good news in store if you’re looking to land a new printer at a discount this weekend. Best Buy is having a 48-hour flash sale on HP printers, with several that can compete with the best printers seeing some good prices. HP is almost always one of the best laptop brands, and it’s one of the same when it comes to printers. So if you’re looking for a new home or office printer, read onward on how to save on an HP printer at Best Buy.
HP DeskJet 2755e — $60, was $85

The HP DeskJet 2755e is a good entry-level printer. It’s got you covered if your printing needs are pretty basic, or if you don’t need to print in mass. This is a color InkJet printer, which makes it good for almost all uses. It can also make copies and scan in color, and it has mobile and wireless printing functionality. You can get set up quickly and easily with the HP Smart app that guides you through the setup process, and you can also use this app to print, scan and copy documents from your phone.

Read more
This tiny ThinkPad can’t quite keep up with the MacBook Air M2
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 rear view showing lid and logo.

While the laptop industry continues to move toward 14-inch laptops and larger, the 13-inch laptop remains an important category. One of the best is the Apple MacBook Air M2, with an extremely thin and well-built chassis, great performance, and incredibly long battery life.

Lenovo has recently introduced the third generation of its ThinkPad X1 Nano, one of the lightest laptops we've tested and a good performer as well. It's stiff competition, but which of these two diminutive laptops stands apart?
Specs and configurations

Read more