Can a Chromebook run Linux apps for school?
My oldest starts a programming class next term. The teacher's supply list says students need a "code editor and Python", and mentions that Chromebooks can "run Linux" for this. I have two kids and two Chromebooks. One is hers from the school, with the sticker and the school account, and the other is an older one that I bought myself a few years ago for my younger son.
Cite
Geek With Laptop Forum, "Can a Chromebook run Linux apps for school?", https://geekwithlaptop.com/forum/thread/can-a-chromebook-run-linux-apps-for-school/, accessed 2026-11-12.I do not know what "run Linux on a Chromebook" means in practice. Is it a setting, or does it mean wiping the machine? Does it work the same on both Chromebooks? I also worry about breaking the one that belongs to the school, and about my younger son suddenly getting a way around whatever filtering we have set up.
Mostly I want to know what I can safely turn on, and who I should ask before I do. Any plain explanations welcome, I am no expert.
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2 answers
- Nadia H.Member ·
I use mine for a bit of Python and it was a toggle, not a wipe. It is in Settings, you set it up once, and a Terminal window appears. After that I installed VS Code inside it. It is slower to start than a normal app but it works.
On a school machine though, ask the school first. Mine at work has a lot of stuff switched off.