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00:00:00 – 00:19:58
The YouTube video discusses upgrading Chromebooks with custom firmware to enhance functionality and flexibility. Various projects like Chrultrabook and MrChromebox's custom coreboot firmware are highlighted. The process involves entering developer mode, disabling write-protect features, and flashing new ROMs to unlock the Chromebook's potential. Different Linux distributions are tested, with some requiring workarounds for successful installation. The importance of community support, environmental sustainability, and donations to project developers are stressed throughout the video.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, Veronica explains how she upgraded two Chromebooks from the stock firmware and ChromeOS to open firmware via Coreboot and a Linux distribution of her choice. She points out that while you can run some Linux apps from within ChromeOS, she prefers a full Linux distribution. Veronica mentions the “chrultrabook” project that offers a better way to unlock Chromebooks for broader installation options. She advises caution when attempting this, as it carries risks of breaking the device. Veronica particularly features the Lenovo Thinkpad C13 Yoga with its fast processor and removable storage.
00:03:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses their experience with installing custom firmware on a Chromebook to enable dual booting or replace the firmware with Coreboot. They mention the Chrultrabook project and MrChromebox’s custom coreboot firmware install scripts for ChromeOS devices. The video provides detailed instructions, highlights the community at chrultrabook.com, and recommends checking compatibility with x86_64 models before proceeding with firmware modifications. The process involves backing up data, enabling developer mode, identifying the board model, and initiating the firmware installation process.
00:06:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker enters developer mode on a Chromebook, gaining access to the developer terminal VT-2. They discuss two firmware options supported by the Chrultrabook project: RW_LEGACY and UEFI Full ROM. The RW_LEGACY firmware allows for dual-booting with ChromeOS and another OS, while the UEFI Full ROM replaces the firmware entirely, making the Chromebook more like a regular laptop. The speaker chooses the UEFI Full ROM option. They caution against using RW_LEGACY with Windows and explain the process of replacing the stock firmware, mentioning the need to disable write-protect features on the board, such as removing a write-protect screw in their specific Chromebook model.
00:09:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the process of disabling write-protect features on a ThinkPad Chromebook by unplugging the battery, making it a simple task compared to other Chromebook models. The speaker mentions the advantages of having a replaceable NVMe drive over a non-replaceable eMMC module. They then detail the steps involved in running the MrChromebox firmware utility script, emphasizing the need to back up stock firmware and use the VT-2 terminal for the process. The script, released by GitHub user MrChromebox, updates the ROM after testing hardware compatibility and user input. The speaker also highlights the importance of potentially donating to support the developer.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses upgrading the firmware on a Chromebook, which involved flashing a new ROM, enabling the Trackpoint, and backing up the firmware. After flashing the new ROM successfully, the Chromebook booted into Coreboot instead of ChromeOS. The speaker then goes on to test various Linux distributions, highlighting the need for a kernel version of 6.4 or newer. The speaker was able to install Pop_OS successfully despite some screen rotation issues. The speaker recommends using Arch, Fedora, openSUSE Tumbleweed, and Debian 12 due to kernel limitations. They also briefly mention trying to boot Windows 11, which failed without bypassing TPM and secure boot checks.
00:15:00
In this segment of the video, the narrator encounters issues trying to install different operating systems on Chromebooks. Initially, attempts with Haiku and Debian 12 result in boot loop problems. After troubleshooting, it is discovered that the issue lies with the GRUB version differences between Debian 12 and Debian Testing ISOs. By using the Testing ISO’s GRUB to boot the installation directly alongside modifications in the GRUB command line, the narrator successfully resolves the boot loop problem. Additionally, the narrator mentions potential plans for a future GRUB Linux lesson.
00:18:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses working around an issue on their Chromebook by installing a newer GRUB from Debian’s Sid branch. They mention customizing the installation by replacing MATE with Sway, resulting in a Debian Testing laptop with good battery life. However, there are still audio issues on the Thinkpad that are being addressed. The community aspect of projects like Chrultrabook is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of supporting initiatives that help repurpose devices to reduce electronic waste. The speaker encourages others to donate to support such projects, stressing the significance for both technology advancement and environmental sustainability.