Setup Linux (Crostini)

Experience the power of Linux on FydeOS, also known as Crostini. This feature allows you to run Linux applications for development alongside your regular FydeOS desktop and apps. It offers developers the best of both worlds, combining the simplicity and security of FydeOS with the freedom to run your favorite editors, IDEs, and thousands of world-class development tools in one container.

Setting Up Linux on FydeOS

1. Enable Linux

   Navigate to Settings, expand the “Advanced” menu, and select “Developers”. Click on “Turn on” Linux.

2. Installation

   Click “Next” on the prompt box that appears. FydeOS will automatically install the necessary files and set up your Linux container. This process may take a few minutes depending on your hardware configuration, so please be patient.

3. Accessing the Terminal

   Once the installation is complete, a new Terminal app will appear. We recommend pinning this application to your shelf for easy access to your Linux container in the future. To do this, right-click on the Terminal app icon and select “Pin”.

4. Update APT Repository

   Your Debian Linux installation is now ready. It’s a good practice to update the APT repository index and install. APT is a command-line package manager for Debian, and keeping it updated ensures you’re always installing the latest versions of tools in its repository. Run the following command in the Terminal:

   sudo apt update

5. Accessing Linux Files

   FydeOS has mapped the user folder in the Linux subsystem to the system’s file manager. You can access these files through the “File” app in the apps launcher. FydeOS has added a new “Linux files” option, which corresponds to the home folder in the Terminal.

Working with Linux Files

Copying Files

Open the Files app, drag the directory or file you want to access, and drop it into “Linux files”.

Sharing Directories

If you don’t want to make a copy, you can share directories from outside the Linux container:

1. Ensure that Linux is set up
2. Open the Files app
3. Find the directory you want to share
4. Right-click on it and select “Share with Linux”

These shared folders will be located at /mnt/chromeos in the Linux container. Access them by running cd /mnt/chromeos in the Terminal.

Managing Your Linux Environment

Restarting Linux

If you encounter issues with Linux, you can restart the container without restarting your entire FydeOS:

1. Right-click on the Terminal app in your shelf
2. Click “Shut down Linux”
3. Once shut down, the applications will appear in the launcher
4. Select any Linux app to restart your Linux container

Backup & Restore

The Linux environment on FydeOS runs inside a container, which means you can back up your environment and restore it, including files, apps, and all. This feature allows you to set up your Linux environment once and take it with you without needing to reconfigure it again.

To access backup & restore options:

1. Navigate to “Settings”
2. Go to “Developers”
3. Select “Linux development environment”
4. Click “Backup & restore”