Over the past few days, instructions to install Debian Packages (.deb) files on ChromeOS via the Chrome OS File Manager have been floating around many major tech sites. I was originally not planning to cover this story as it was already covered so many times however I changed my mind after following the steps on these sites and was not successful. It turns out that they were missing a step – the .deb file needs to be placed in the “Linux Files” mount first. Here are the instructions:
ChromeOS
Installing Simplify3D on Chrome OS with Project Crostini
It is healthy for people to have hobbies outside of their day jobs, one of my personal hobbies is 3D Printing. I have been planning to cover more 3D Printing stuff on my blog (along with the normal stuff I cover). I have covered a few 3D printing posts in the past but I feel it is time to start posting more. My first post will be getting my favorite slicer, Simplify 3D to run on a Chromebook via Crostini.
Read moreInstalling Simplify3D on Chrome OS with Project Crostini
Installing Microsoft PowerShell on Chrome OS with Project Crostini
Microsoft’s PowerShell is without question a very powerful management tool/automation tool, especially for those who use Windows. Many developers have also started to embrace PowerShell and it has even seen native releases for MacOS and Linux. Thanks to the magic of Chrome OS and Crostini, it can also be installed on a Chromebook, here is how:
Read moreInstalling Microsoft PowerShell on Chrome OS with Project Crostini
Installing Discord on ChomeOS via Project Crostini
Discord has been one of the fastest growing communication platforms on the planet right now but unfortunately they do not publish an official client for Chrome OS so Chrome OS users are stuck using the web application. While the web application is pretty good, some would wish to have access to the desktop application. Fortunately it is pretty easy to install, here are the steps.
Chrome OS’s upcoming “Better Together” feature may be a Google Pixel Exclusive Feature (for now)
Google has been working hard on a feature called “Better Together” which was designed to allow for deep integration between Android Phones and Chrome OS. Thanks to the latest build of Chrome OS to hit the developer channel, we now have a better picture on what the setup process will look like and it is not looking good for non-Pixel Phone owners.
ChromeOS 69.0.3464.0 brings Plenty of Bugs, Better Together, Android P Styling, File Manager Changes and Crostini Support to More Devices
Update : June 21, 2018 – It seems that Google has pulled the update. Users who managed to install the update before Google pulled it can perform a rollback if the stability issues are making your Chromebook unusable. Rollbacks do require a powerwash which may or may not be a reason to hold out for a stable update.
It looks like Google has begun the rollout of ChromeOS 69.0.3464.0 to users on the “dev” channel. This is actually a major version increase as all previous updates were part of ChromeOS 68. Lets look at some of the changes Google has packed into this release – fair warning, there is A LOT in this release and plenty of bugs.
Installing the Hiri Outlook365/Exchange Email Client on ChromeOS via Crostini
If you are normally a Linux user who has ever worked in an office that uses Office365 or Exchange, you will likely have heard of the Hiri email client. Hiri is one of the most robust Office 635 / Microsoft Exchange email clients on the market. Getting Hiri to run on ChromeOS via Project Crostini is pretty simple so lets get started.
Read moreInstalling the Hiri Outlook365/Exchange Email Client on ChromeOS via Crostini
Security Wish-List for Chrome OS
Chrome OS is already one of the most secure operating systems in use today – light-years beyond MacOS and Windows in many ways however it is far from perfect. Here is my security wish-list for features I would love to see in future Chrome OS devices. Note, this page is just for security related changes, there are plenty of non-security feature I would like to see as well.
Entering Developer Mode on the HP Chromebook X2 and other Chrome OS Tablets
Normally it is a very trivial process to get a typical Chromebook into developer mode however this process is very different on the HP Chromebook X2 and other future Chrome OS Tablets. This is because Google actually requires dedicated circuitry to ensure the switch to developer mode was a deliberate action done by the user and not accidental or by a malicious application. Here are the steps to get the HP Chromebook X2 Into Developer Mode and these instructions should also work on all future ChromeOS Tablets
Read moreEntering Developer Mode on the HP Chromebook X2 and other Chrome OS Tablets
Initial Impressions of the HP Chromebook X2
It has been known for some time that HP has been working on a high-end Chromebook for a few months now and the official launch date has been set for June 11th of 2018. The codename of the Chromebook is “Soraka” and the board name is “Nocturne”. I managed to get my hands on a early unit and spent several hours using it. Here are my thoughts in case you are looking to buy one when it enters the mass market.