Linux is a feature that lets you develop software using FydeOS. You can install Linux command line tools, code editors, and IDEs (integrated development environments) on FydeOS. These can be used to write code, create apps, and more.

#Turn on Linux

Linux is off by default. You can turn it on any time from Settings.

  1. At the bottom right, select the time.
  2. Select Settings img img Developers.
  3. Next to "Linux development environment", select Turn On.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions. Setup can take 10 minutes or more.
  5. A terminal window opens. Depending on your version of FydeOS, you should now have a Debian 10 (buster) or Debian 11 (bullseye) environment. You can run Linux commands, install more tools using the APT package manager, and customize your shell.

#Turn off Linux

  1. At the bottom right, select the time.
  2. Select Settings img img Developers img Linux development environment.
  3. Under "Remove Linux development environment", select Remove.

#Access your microphone on Linux

You can use your microphone when Linux is turned on.

  1. At the bottom right, select the time.
  2. Select Settings img img Developers img Linux development environment.
  3. Turn on Allow Linux to access your microphone.

#Security & permissions

To protect your computer, FydeOS typically runs each app in a "sandbox". However, all Linux apps run inside the same sandbox. This means a harmful Linux app can affect other Linux apps, but not the rest of FydeOS.

Permissions and files shared with Linux are available to all Linux apps.

#Back up & restore

If you have trouble with back up and restore, .

#Fix problems with Linux

If you experience issues with Linux or Linux apps, try the following steps:

  • Restart FydeOS.
  • Check that your virtual machine is up-to-date.
  • Update your packages. Open the Terminal app, and then run this command: sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get dist-upgrade

Tip: You might need to restart FydeOS for changes to take effect. Linux automatically checks for new packages after initial setup and every 24 hours when it is running.

#Check what’s not supported yet

  • Cameras aren't yet supported.
  • Android devices are supported over USB, but other devices aren't yet supported.
  • Android Emulators aren't yet supported.
  • ChromeVox is supported for the default Terminal app, but not yet for other Linux apps.