Hey Joe, I mean... they're running the Linux kernel so they're already running Linux, right? So you're all set?
;) Regarding running an actual FOSS OS you should be able to put the device into developer mode, enable usb booting, and go to town. I don't think you need to remove the write-protect screw on these models, although it's quite trivial to do so. (Pop the keyboard off by removing all of the screws on the bottom of the device, be mindful of the keyboard and trackpad cable and look for a philips head screw with a large, flat head on it. Take it out and you'll be forever greeted with a lovely beep every time you turn the device on) This link may be of use: https://wiki.debian.org/InstallingDebianOn/HP/Chromebook%2014 While it's not for your specific model, it should help regarding enabling developer mode and enabling USB booting for legacy operating systems. As Tony mentioned, Crostini is a viable option as well, but you'll still have the outdated underlying ChromeOS installed, so may not be the best option, depending on your use case. Just out of curiosity, did you get these from the MMUUSD (CESU) school district by chance? I set up many a Chromebook 14 G4 there for a while and they were selling them for $20 last I heard, haha! Good luck, they're not horrible little machines. ~David On Thu, Feb 17, 2022 at 12:12 PM Joe Golden <[email protected]> wrote: > Hi All. > > Hope all you penguin lovers are enjoying the cold and snow this winter. > We're building a killer bobsled run in the front yard! > > I picked up a couple of chromebooks for $20 each for the kids: search "hp > chromebook 14 g4 t4m32ut#aba" for specs. School is getting rid of these > older models partly because they no longer receive updates from Google I > think. > > Anyone have experience installing Linux on these bad boys? > > I see https://wiki.debian.org/InstallingDebianOn/HP/Chromebook%2014 and > https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/HP_Chromebook_14. > > Any guidance from the Gurus? Heckling from the yahoos? > > Thanx. > -- > Joe Golden /_\ 802 793 2323 /_\ Coding, Drupalism, Open Sourcery > -- *David McClellan* Software Engineer Web: about.me/hacdan
