Are you looking for a lightweight, customizable operating system to revitalize an outdated laptop or Chromebook? GalliumOS would be a perfect fit. From its features and benefits to installation, customization, and troubleshooting tips, this detailed guide introduces you to GalliumOS. If you have an old Chromebook lying around, or are just feeling a new gadget high, no one breaks down all the uses and benefits of GalliumOS quite like this guide.
What is GalliumOS?
Based on Linux, GalliumOS is a hard-mounted OS that exists primarily to improve the performance of Chromebooks and legacy laptops in terms of speed and efficiency. GalliumOS, a lightweight Ubuntu based on Xubuntu, optimizes its performance for low-power hardware. With Gallium OS, you can enjoy the advantages of Linux, such as a high degree of customization and the freedom to modify, while also benefiting from performance tweaks that reduce lag and improve battery life. Basically, GalliumOS provides users with a usable and snappy experience, especially on low-end devices.
Why Choose GalliumOS?
GalliumOS offers a few key advantages that showcase it as an attractive target for select laptops, particularly Chromebooks. What sets GalliumOS apart from the competition is debatable.
- Minimum Hardware Requirements: GalliumOS is ideal for old laptops and Chromebooks because it is lightweight and optimized to run on low-end hardware.
- Longer Battery: Uses less system resources than many conventional operating systems, preventing battery drains and ensuring longer working hours.
- Enhanced privacy and security: The design of GalliumOS, and Linux-based systems in general, prioritizes the user, offering reduced vulnerability and increased control over data collection.
- Rigid customization: Users can customize the way their systems look, feel, and function in Gallium OS. It offers a versatile user experience without the bloated applications of many commercial operating systems.
- Active Community Support: Developers and users have all created a wonderful community that actively engages in sharing tips, troubleshooting problems, and improving the OS functionality.
Gallium OS spent a lot of time running on Chromebooks, but it also works with many laptops. At a glance, below are the minimum requirements:
- Processor: Most Chromebooks (and cheap laptops) have an Intel or ARM processor.
- RAM: 2 GB minimum (4 GB+ preferred for better performance)
- Storage: A minimum of 16 GB of available storage is required.
- Power Efficiency: The optimal power efficiency of Gallium OS ensures a good battery life, making it an ideal choice for portable devices.
A variety of Chromebooks benefit from GalliumOS’s low-fuss installation and performance optimization. Visit the Hardware Compatibility page to determine if your device qualifies.
Preparing to install Gallium OS
The following are the steps you need to take before installing: As a guide and to help you prepare for it, here is a brief overview:
Step 1: Back Up Your Files
Installing will wipe any current data, so backup anything you wish to keep on an external drive or cloud storage prior to starting the install.
Step 2: Verify Compatibility
Verify your laptop’s compatibility with GalliumOS by consulting the compatibility list. We test this on specific models, primarily Chromebooks, but also a few CM-compatible non-Chromebook laptops that function flawlessly with Gallium OS.
Make a bootable USB drive/Windows-based PC.
Step 3: Create a Bootable USB Drive
A bootable USB drive with a GalliumOS ISO file is required for installation. Here’s how to create one:
- Download the GalliumOS ISO from the GalliumOS Downloads page.
- Write the ISO image using a program such as Rufus (Windows) or Etcher (macOS and Linux) to the USB flash drive.
Step 4: Enable Developer Mode (For Chromebook Users)
The first thing you will want to do is enable Developer Mode (Step 4), which will wipe your ChromeOS.
Enable Developer Mode Install GalliumOS is only possible to open on a Chromebook that has been booted in Developer Mode (and can’t run Crouton/free software, etc.), which means the machine we’re booting from to install Gallium OS needs to be able to run it, too. This usually requires hitting Esc + Refresh + Power to get into developer mode, but it can be different depending on the device.
How to Install—A Step-By-Step Guide
With that, you should be prepared to begin the installation.
Step 1: Boot from the USB Drive
Boot from USB: Place the bootable USB into your laptop and restart the computer. At startup, press F12, F10, or Esc (whatever works for your laptop) to access the boot menu. Select the USB drive to boot into the Gallium OS installer.
Step 2: Begin Installation
When Gallium OS loads, you should see options to either “try” or “install.” Install GalliumOS: This will take you straight to the installer.
Step 3: Partition Your Disk
GalliumOS will prompt you to partition your disk during installation. Choose Erase Disk and install GalliumOS for a clean installation. Select a custom partitioning scheme if you want a dual boot with any other OS.
Migrate to the Console Home.
Step 4: Configure other basic settings
Gallium OS will prompt you to select the language, keyboard layout, and time zone, as well as create a user account. Once you’ve configured these settings, Gallium OS will initiate the installation process and prompt you to restart.
Key Features GalliumOS
Rounding out the features of GalliumOS, its developers have some specific tweaks to better tailor it for Chromebooks and older laptops. Here’s what makes it special in detail:
1. A light and speedy desktop environment
Includes the lightweight and efficient XFCE desktop environment. XFCE allows for rapid navigation while maintaining resource efficiency or low-end hardware management. Lightweight but necessary apps are included.
2. Pre-installed Essential Software
Gallium OS comes pre-installed with essential features such as a web browser, file manager, media player, and office suite. This implies that you can commence without requiring any prior installation.
3. Optimization of Chromebook Hardware
Gallium OS specifically optimizes for Chromebook hardware, bringing improvements to keyboard, trackpad, and display support—areas where Linux distributions often struggle on Chromebooks.
4. Broad Hardware Support
GalliumOS can work with a broad array of hardware parts, such as Wi-Fi, touchpads, and audio gear, which leads to more convenient operations on Chromebooks and some other low-end laptops.
5. Security and Privacy
GalliumOS places a strong focus on user privacy and security, offering frequent security updates and robust firewall options that make it safer than most commercial equivalents.
Adapting Gallium OS for You
Gallium OS offers the most significant benefit of customization. Here are some options to
customize your experience:
One of the most prominent features of Gallium OS is its host of customizable features. Here are some options for personalizing your experience:
1. Install additional software
Gallium OS is based on Ubuntu and has thousands of apps to enhance your Chromebook. To install software, open a terminal and use the following command.
Install a new app: sudo apt install
You will find applications such as LibreOffice, VLC Media Player, and GIMP very easily.
2. Customize the look and feel.
For themes, icons, and even widgets, XFCE offers a vast array of customization options. The Settings menu allows you to change themes, configure panel layouts, and more if you want your desktop to look a different way.
3. Set up keyboard shortcuts
To set practice keyboard shortcuts, head to the Keyboard Settings menu and save yourself some time. You can create shortcuts to open apps, open files, and arrange windows, which makes GalliumOS even better.
4. Regularly update GalliumOS
Regular updates are necessary to maintain the security and smooth operation of GalliumOS. Open a terminal and run this command: apt update && apt upgrade-y
Advantages and Disadvantages of GalliumOS
An operating system, like any other living creature, possesses both advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a summary:
Pros
- Lightning-fast on low-end laptops: The app fully optimizes to support Chromebooks and older hardware.
- Low Power Consumption Components: The lightweight nature means less power consumption.
- Enhanced Security: A Linux-based operating system that provides the advantages of enhanced privacy and security.
- Full Customization: This functionality allows you to customize your system completely.
Cons
- GalliumOS is Targeted towards Chromebooks: GalliumOS was created mainly for Chromebooks, so it may not be compatible with every laptop.
- Workarounds might be necessary for some applications: Applications written for Windows or macOS may require a few extra steps to operate appropriately in GalliumOS.
- Disadvantage of Linux for Beginners Learning Curve: Users that are new to Linux will spend some time to get the knowledge over it.
Common Issues and Their Fixes—Troubleshooting GalliumOS
Even after all these optimizations, you will face some issues using GalliumOS. I hope here are some common problems to look for and their solutions:
1. Wi-Fi connectivity issues
If you can’t connect to Wi-Fi, make sure you have the right drivers. Another option is to try updating network drivers from the terminal.
2. Excessive Battery Drain
A rapid drain can be alleviated by adjusting power management settings and moving down the brightness of your screen. Power Manager has extra power-saving options only available in GalliumOS.
3. Touchpad or keyboard not working
If the touchpad or keyboard does not work, return to Settings → Input for resetting input settings or updating driver-related options.
4. Operating applications that are not native
If you require Windows-specific apps, then try Wine or VirtualBox? It allows you to run various Windows applications inside of GalliumOS through these tools.
Conclusion
For giving an old laptop or a Chromebook atom its full power, provides a surprising functional path. It also comes with optimum configuration and customization options, which are available in a lightweight version to deploy the most efficient, secure, and responsive Linux-based operating system. In this guide, you will learn how to install and configure GalliumOS on Crouton, where to download additional software, settings for an improved experience, and common issues with their fixes.
Q1: What hardware can I run GalliumOS on besides Chromebook?
Q2: In terms of performance, how does GalliumOS hold up against other lightweight Linux distributions?
Q3: For users interested in customizing GalliumOS, what advanced options are available?