Is installing a different operating system on a chromebook the same as on any other computer? Since the chromebook is no longer supported, is there any downside to this? I'm considering puppy because it's so responsive; is this the best choice? Thanks.

No longer supported by what? I'd try "live" booting several distros. A quick web search "Linux For Chromebook" reveals many step by step tutorials on how to accomplish this.

i think it's a good idea to change to some linux that will continue to receive updates!
unfortunately, chromebooks can be a little tricky with installing linux.
you should provide us (and yourself) with the exact and full manufacturer, model name and number.
then do some web searches like "install linux on <manufacturer+model>".

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If you decide on Puppy, remember that it's not intended for a normal installation. For security reasons, you need a "frugal install"
http://puppylinux.org/wikka/frugal
Puppy then lives on the HD in exactly the way it would on a USB, booting into RAM. That ensures that running as root is safe, as you get a clean boot every time.

How I got AntiX running on my C710 Chromebook

Google search how to the above 1st for your model of HP chromebook. Remove battery 1st always before opening any panels.

Then Google search how to go into developer mode on your ChromeOS on your HP model of chromebook. Do that next. You have to be in developer to continue to the next part of the steps I point out .

After you accomplish those 2 steps.
You will need

https://johnlewis.ie/custom-chromebo.../rom-download/

make sure your chipset < cpu > is on the supported list on that page. Probably is.

Doing this while in chrome browser will tell you

Big old page of readouts. Look for cpu readout. Mine is intel sandy/ivy bridge. My non supported chromeos operating system was Parrot .

Now lets say you got that far. You are in developer mode on your chromeos when you boot. You have write protect jumpered out. You saw that your cpu is supported on that list. You open crosh in chromeos with crtl = Alt + t and type in

The prompt should change if you are in developer mode.

next type in

It should mention write protect disabled. If it says enabled. You write protect has not been jumpered out yet and you can go no further. That is requirement for the next step.

So if write protect shows disabled. Next in crosh terminal

No sudo needed for this part. Because John Lewis says

So now you see a bunch text. If succesful. You will see list. Like Items 1 through 5.

I picked number 5 which was the full rom . It replaces my bios on my chrome book so I can boot from usb and install and run any linux distro I want on it.

When done. Bios boot screen is pretty simple and matter of fact on reboot.
USB or hardrive choices on boot sdcreen. That is all. No time settings, or other menus to go through.

Install Puppy from usb using a live usb.
Google on how to install the Puppy of your choice.
I just laid the ground work for you to get to that point.

Chromebooks require a little more effort from the user to unlock them for Linux usage because they are proprietary with that lockout they have from the factory. With some. You just have to remove a screw. Mine required jumpering 2 pins with tin foil.

Good luck and Happy Trails, Rok
Disclaimer:
I and this forum takes no responsibility if you screw up and brick your chromebook. How ever. I did not brick mine using my above steps.

Oh yeah. Puppy with a 4.10 kernel and above may be OK. But best choice? I guess for a newbie. Because I am AntiX proficient. I do not recommend installing and running it. Instead.

https://galliumos.org/


Since chromebook hardware like touchpads. suspend, hibernation can be touchy creatures.

I guess we will find out if this thread goes any further from here. Because I laid out the generic steps to get slackware, or any other linux distro to get started on a chromebook in this thread. Or if this is just wishful thinking.

Post back if you have success running Puppy.