topic Re: Linux on Lenovo devices in Peer-Peer Topics

Linux on Lenovo devices

deidre_hugo — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 10:30:08 GMT

We have a school who would like to use Linux on their Chromebooks.

They have Lenovo 300e 2nd gen and Acer Chromebooks with CEU.

We configure the necessary user based and device based settings.

When you want to turn ON Linux on the Chromebook we navigate to Settings>Advanced Settings>Developers>Linux development environment>Turn ON

On Acer Chromebooks, we can turn Linux ON.

On Lenovo Chromebooks, the option to turn it ON is greyed out. Error: Not supported on this device.

However, when we REMOVE the CEU from the Lenovo device, we can turn Linux on just fine.

Users/Chromebooks are in the same OU, same settings.. Why would the Acer devices work and not the Lenovo devices?

Any thoughts/ troubleshooting ideas welcome.

Re: Linux on Lenovo devices

rdnixon — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 10:35:23 GMT

I'd just say no. If you allow Linux app they can install whatever they like. So if you use extension based filtering - just install Firefox and away you go - no filtering. Basically zero control - so from my point of view (UK based), we would fail safeguarding requirements. For IT Support teams its great as you get all sorts of fun power tools!

Re: Linux on Lenovo devices

Kim_Nilsson — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 10:45:46 GMT

I agree with @rdnixon

Re: Linux on Lenovo devices

deidre_hugo — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 10:57:38 GMT

And I also agree with you and have given my recommendation to the school. However, they have chosen to use the Linux environment on Chromebooks during their Coding and Robotics sessions. The Chromebooks are school owned and does not leave the classroom.

Back to my question, any idea why this would work on Acer and not Lenovo?

Re: Linux on Lenovo devices

rdnixon — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 11:00:40 GMT

Don't know - but from my point of view not relevant - don't do it as you will then be potentially liable for the consequences. btw its only supported on some devices and some ARM based devices don't support it (maybe all arm based devices).