I personally like Etcher since it’s extremely simple and works on Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.
choose Install/Update Full ROM Firmwareĭownload the appropriate system image from GalliumOS’s downloads page (the Dell Chromebuses the “Bay Trail” image) and use your favored method of imaging it as a bootable flash drive.download and run the ChromeOS Firmware Utility Script.open the Chromebook and remove the firmware write-protect screw.create a bootable GalliumOS flash drive.The short version of the steps, each of which will be covered in more detail below, is: The last option also has the benefit of better hardware support, as some services like sound will not work on this machine with RW_LEGACY dual booting. This tutorial will cover the last option, as I have no intention of ever using this machine with ChromeOS and it has basically no resale value anyway.
The Dell Chromebcan run Linux via Crouton in developer mode, dual boot via a legacy boot mode, run a new OS while retaining ChromeOS’s recovery mode, or have its firmware replaced with a new UEFI ROM which completely removes ChromeOS and effectively makes it a normal computer.
Plus the cross-platform novel writing software I’m using, Manuskript, doesn’t have a web version.Ĭhromebooks can run Linux on top of ChromeOS using a tool like Crouton, but some can go even farther and will run a full-on reinstall or even dual boot. I love the concept and all, but would be lost without git, apache/ nginx, node, Sublime Text, GIMP, and InkScape. Unfortunately there’s that word “Chromebook” in there, which is great for a whole lot of people, but a deal breaker for me even as a web developer. Luckily, just such a laptop exists, and currently goes for about $100: The Dell Chromebook 11 3120. The ideal laptop for NaNoWriMo, in my mind, is a highly portable, durable beater with extreme battery life and just enough power for work at the absolute lowest price point possible (preferably while not looking like crap). It also telegraphs “steal me, I’m expensive” from across the room. Much as I love my MSI GS73VR, a gaming laptop of its size doesn’t fit in most backpacks and only manages an hour on battery. With November around the corner, I needed a decent laptop to attend National Novel Writing Month meetups. To jump straight in, skip to Before You Start.
This post covers installation and usage impressions of GalliumOS on the Dell Chromebook 11 3120.
This method worked great in 2018, but I haven’t had a Chromebook in years now and can’t guarantee this is still how the install works. Update: Please be aware these instructions are very old.