# GalliumOS

> a fast and lightweight Linux distribution for ChromeOS devices

**Wikidata**: [Q54151974](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q54151974)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GalliumOS)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/galliumos

## Summary
GalliumOS is a lightweight and fast Linux distribution specifically designed for ChromeOS devices, optimizing performance on hardware like Chromebooks. Based on Xubuntu, it combines the Xfce desktop environment with customized configurations to enhance compatibility and usability on ChromeOS hardware.

## Key Facts
- **Based on**: Xubuntu, which is derived from Ubuntu.
- **Latest version**: 3.1, released on December 22, 2019.
- **Website**: https://galliumos.org/ (available in English).
- **Named after**: Gallium, a chemical element.
- **Twitter**: @GalliumOS (active since August 26, 2015).
- **Language support**: Available in English, with Wikipedia pages in English, Hebrew, Korean, and Chinese.
- **Design focus**: Tailored for ChromeOS devices, emphasizing speed and resource efficiency.

## FAQs
### Q: What is GalliumOS designed for?
A: GalliumOS is designed to provide a fast, lightweight Linux experience on ChromeOS devices, such as Chromebooks, improving their functionality beyond stock ChromeOS limitations.

### Q: Is GalliumOS free to use?
A: Yes, as a Linux distribution, GalliumOS is free and open-source software, available for download from its official website.

### Q: How does GalliumOS differ from Xubuntu?
A: While GalliumOS is based on Xubuntu, it is specifically optimized for ChromeOS hardware, with tailored drivers, power management, and compatibility patches not found in standard Xubuntu releases.

## Why It Matters
GalliumOS addresses the demand for a full-fledged Linux desktop environment on ChromeOS devices, which often ship with limited software capabilities. By leveraging the lightweight Xfce desktop and custom optimizations, GalliumOS extends the lifespan and utility of Chromebooks, enabling users to run resource-intensive applications and multitask efficiently. It bridges the gap between the web-centric ChromeOS and the versatility of traditional Linux systems, appealing to developers, students, and power users seeking more control over their hardware. Its focus on hardware compatibility and performance makes it a standout option for repurposing older ChromeOS devices.

## Notable For
- **Hardware optimization**: Fine-tuned for Chromebook processors, memory, and storage constraints.
- **Xfce integration**: Utilizes the Xfce desktop for minimal resource usage while maintaining modern functionality.
- **Active community**: Supported by an engaged user base and developers, with regular updates (e.g., version 3.1 in 2019).
- **Unique branding**: Named after the chemical element gallium, reflecting a technical and innovative identity.

## Body
### Overview
GalliumOS is a Linux distribution built to revive and enhance ChromeOS devices. First released in 2015, it combines the stability of Xubuntu with customizations for Chromebook hardware, such as optimized drivers and power management.

### Development & Release History
- **Inception**: The project began in 2015, with a Twitter presence established on August 26, 2015.
- **Latest Release**: Version 3.1 debuted on December 22, 2019, featuring updated packages and improved hardware support.
- **Download Availability**: Hosted on the official website (https://galliumos.org/download), with documentation for installation on ChromeOS devices.

### Technical Specifications
- **Desktop Environment**: Xfce, chosen for its balance of speed and usability.
- **Package Management**: Inherits Ubuntu’s repositories, ensuring access to a wide range of software.
- **Hardware Compatibility**: Supports Chromebook-specific components, such as ARM and Intel processors, and integrates fixes for common ChromeOS device issues.

### Relation to Other Projects
- **Xubuntu**: Serves as the foundation, with GalliumOS adding ChromeOS-specific tweaks.
- **Ubuntu**: Indirectly based on Ubuntu, benefiting from its long-term support (LTS) releases and security updates.
- **ChromeOS**: Complements Google’s operating system by offering a traditional desktop alternative without requiring hardware replacement.

## References

1. [GalliumOS – A fast and lightweight Linux distro for ChromeOS devices](https://galliumos.org/download)