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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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Help choosing distro for old EOL Chromebook (lemmy.world)

submitted 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago) by jrgn@lemmy.world to c/linux@lemmy.ml

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I have an Acer Chromebook R11 which has reached End of Life and won't receive updates (which is insane, I bought it new four years ago). I have checked, and my model is now fully supported by most Linux distros.

I need suggestions for a lightweight distro to use. I will use the machine for surfing, playing Pixel Dungeon, streaming some indie games over Moonlight/Steam Headless and manage my home server over ssh. So nothing major. I want something lightweight and really low maintenance.

Specs:

Processor: 1.6GHz quad-core Intel Celeron N3150 (quad-core, 3MB cache, up to 2.08GHz with Turbo Boost)
Graphics: Integrated Intel HD Graphics
Memory: 4GB DDR3L
Storage: 32GB (with SD card reader for more storage)

I have a lot of experience with Arch-based (EndeavourOS, Manjaro), Ubuntu-based (Mint, PopOS) and Debian-based (Debian, Ubuntu, Mint, Raspbian) distros, but I am open for other suggestions

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[–] smeg@feddit.uk 3 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Not an actual answer, but I think a Chromebook reaching EoL doesn't mean it stops getting all updates. I think it's something along the lines of it stops getting firmware updates but it still gets browser updates, though worth checking exactly what's happening on your specific device. If you're feeling crazy you can even try installing ChromeOS Flex on it and it should miraculously be "supported" again.

[–] jrgn@lemmy.world 3 points 4 months ago (1 children)

I thought so too, but then my Chrome stopped updating and all my extensions started breaking one by one. Never heard of ChromeOS Flex, will check out!

[–] smeg@feddit.uk 1 points 4 months ago (1 children)

ChromeOS Flex is an interesting one; it's definitely not as flexible as a proper Linux distro but if you need something simple and hard-to-break to run on an old machine (for instance for an elderly relative who's still using Windows XP) then it could be worth a shot. That said, I'm now investigating whether Linux Mint is a better choice for my own elderly relatives!

[–] jrgn@lemmy.world 2 points 4 months ago (1 children)

It's very interesting! I just find it weird that I've never heard of it. I will have it in the back of my head in case I need to do a full 360 and go back to ChromeOS

[–] smeg@feddit.uk 2 points 4 months ago

I think it used to be called "cloudready" until Google bought it and made it official. It seems like it's aimed more at businesses and schools that want a fleet of Chromebooks, but it seems alright for the casual tinkerer too.