this post was submitted on 21 Apr 2025
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Linux
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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
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Yeah let me know when I can install mainline Linux.
Definitely a step in the right direction, but the fact that android uses the Linux kernel but still manufacturers keep so much proprietary... It kills me
I mean... This is kinda close. The "Linux Terminal" app is running a full Debian install in a KVM VM. On the newest version of the app (like on Android beta or on GrapheneOS), you even have a full GUI that you can use.
In theory, we should be able to boot any mainline Linux distro in a VM, if someone writes an app for it, as AVF (Android Virtualization Framework) is just a wrapper around Linux KVM with some restrictions. (for now the built-in app only supports Debian)
Can I plug in an hdmi cable/keyboard/mouse and use it like a desktop and is there some way I can mount the android storage? (Eg can I get access to docs/pics/downloads)
Im not sure what you mean, like, run android on mainline linux? if that is the case you already can. Not on all devices, but I think the pixel can run mainline kernel, I know ofc you can run androidx86 on mainline, if you mean via terminal I think you can sideload mainline. At least, if you compile your own rom you absolutely would be able to.
They're doing this because they want to switch chrome to be android based, and they want to have desktop apps available right away since chrome doesn't have much.
Not just that - modern Androids compile apps in a VM these days to reduce the attack surface of the compiler. You can also push other services into VMs that support the main image. You could even push some vendor drivers into VMs and help keep the main kernel less of a vendor fork fest.