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Linux on Chrome OS

During the months of April and May of 2019, I recorded a four-part series of Pixel Power Podcast episodes where I discuss the install and use of Linux on Chrome OS via Google’s Crostini virtual machine (VM) system.

The shows received a great response and this page consolidates all four original episode’s audio, each episode’s comprehensive show notes, and additional bonus information and resources that were not included in the episodes or were covered with little depth.

Earlier in April of 2019, I also recorded an episode describing how to use the Linux terminal Android app, Termux, on the Pixel Phone. This page also collects that episode and the resources mentioned.

I plan to keep this page updated and include new resources as they become available. It is my hope this page becomes a useful resource for those users new to Crostini, Termux, and Linux on Chrome OS.

Linux on Chrome OS Episodes

Episode Audio

Episode Show Notes

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Crostini Resources

Termux Resources

Additional Reading

If you really want to learn Linux commands, I highly recommend the book below:

The Linux Command Line: A Complete Introduction

William E. Shots, Jr.

Paperback: 504 pages

Publisher: No Starch Press; 2 edition (March 7, 2019)

It’s an awesome read and wonderful resource to have on your desk.

Get a copy on Amazon for around $20.

Error Resolutions

This area shares tips and trick to resolve errors you may encounter with the Crostini VM.

Expired Key Signatures

In January of 2020, Chrome OS 80 (beta) came to our Pixelbooks and Slates with expired signatures keys for the Crostini repositories that contain Crostini tools and utilities. This error bewildered many when they saw the following error message when issuing the sudo apt update command and the following appeared:

W: GPG error: https://storage.googleapis.com/cros-packages/81 buster Release: The following signatures couldn’t be verified because the public key is not available: NO_PUBKEY 78BD65473CB3BD13 E: The repository ‘https://storage.googleapis.com/cros-packages/81 buster Release’ is not signed. N: Updating from such a repository can’t be done securely, and is therefore disabled by default. N: See apt-secure(8) manpage for repository creation and user configuration details.

While you can wait for Google to update the signature keys, and all other software will receive updates, the command below will correct the error:

sudo apt-key adv --refresh-keys --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com

Crowd-Sourced Linux on Pixelbook App Compatibility List

Check out my open for comments and additions Linux application compatibility Google Sheet. On this page you can view the applications that work with Crostini as well as; how to install the applications, which density setting optimizes the experience, and useful notes. Be sure to add your own information by leaving a comment. You can view a small window into the document below:

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