Today, we have the pleasure of introducing our readers to a brand new GNU/Linux operating system, called GalliumOS, based on the Xubuntu Linux distribution and tailored for Chromebooks and Chromeboxes.

GalliumOS is not your average GNU/Linux distribution, as it was designed from the offset to work only on Chrome OS-supported devices, such as Chromebooks. It includes numerous optimizations and tweaks that promise to improve the overall responsiveness of the machine, as well as to reduce system stalls.

GalliumOS should not be considered a bloated operating system, as all the software packages were carefully selected. It comes pre-installed with just the applications that one needs for his or her Chromebook device. However, GalliumOS should be considered a drop-in replacement for Google's Chrome OS operating system.

Users can dual-boot Chrome OS and GalliumOS

What's worth noting about the GalliumOS operating system is that it integrates the Chrome OS mouse driver, which promises to provide the same touchpad experience that can be found on Chrome OS. All in all, GalliumOS aims to become a lightweight, fast, and fully functional desktop OS for your Chromebook device.

Another interesting aspect of the GalliumOS Linux distribution is that it comes up with various workarounds for some issues that affect Chromebook computers and cannot be found in standard GNU/Linux operating systems. Moreover, the GalliumOS ISO images include a script that lets Chromebook users dual-boot Chrome OS and GalliumOS.

At the moment of writing this article, GalliumOS is still in development, with a single Beta build out the door. If you are a bleeding-edge user and you want to taste something different on your Chromebook, you can download the ISO images for Broadwell, Haswell, Sandy Bridge or Ivy Bridge Chromebooks, as well as for Broadwell and Haswell Chromebox devices right now from the project's website or via Softpedia.