BOINC on Chrome OS

[davidpanderson]

I'm not sure what's involved. There are both ARM- and Intel-based Chromebooks. Chrome OS is not the same as Android, but apps are distributed through the Play Store.

[AenBleidd]

I'm not very familiar with Chrome OS, but last time I read about it, it was said that it's a web-based OS, that means that all apps should be web apps (written in JS or similar). On the other hand, almost any Android app could be installed on it. Also, in this article it's said that it's possible to install linux applications: https://www.computerworld.com/article/3314739/linux-apps-on-chrome-os-an-easy-to-follow-guide.html So, we can't currently provide native BOINC for Chrome OS, but it looks like it's possible to install either Android APK or (preferably) linux app on it (I'm afraid, users should be quite experienced to do that).

It might be possible to provide native support if implement web-based computing: https://github.com/BOINC/boinc/issues/3086 There was even a try to build it https://github.com/BOINC/boinc/pull/4378 but without significant modifications this doesn't work.

[CharlieFenton]

I'm certainly no expert on Chrome OS or Chromebooks, but my impression is that, as @AenBleidd wrote, most Chromebooks are designed primarily to run web-based apps and so have very minimal storage. This website shows a number with only a 16GB of solid state "disk" drive, considerably less than most smartphones. Though there are apparently some higher priced ones with greater capacity. I suspect those more powerful ones are the ones that can run Linux apps.

[BryanQuigley]

For Linux apps on Chrome OS - Setup instructions (and links to all of how the project works). It's either LXD containers or crosvm vms.

I'm guessing being available on the Play store will be much easier for users.

[PeakMars]

For anyone still trying to do this, some models of Chromebook such as Acer c720 and HP 11 g4 ee can be turned into Linux machines. I used to run boinc on my Chromebook, I'll add a screenshot.