Johnny Phung (johnnythegeek)
Acer C7 Chromebook Setup and Upgrades
updated
I really like this case as it was easy to build a full size ATX system in. It's not going to live in my living room as my HTPC.
Here is a link to the case on Amazon: amzn.to/2S2MD4Q
Here is a link to purchase the XL2546: amzn.to/2jJFkQP
Here is a link to purchase the XL2411P: amzn.to/2l6kETg
Featuring a tenkeyless design and rainbow LED backlighting. Underneath, dual IC processing chips enable stabler function, including 21-key rollover over USB and N-key rollover with PS2. Fully compatible with Windows, built with dedicated multimedia controls, and including a GAME mode that disables the Windows key. This drop features options between Blue and Brown Kailh switches.
Specs
Keycool
87-key layout
Non-removable USB
Kailh mechanical switches
Dual IC processing chips
Multimedia controls
21-key rollover with USB, n-key rollover with PS2
Windows key disabled in GAME mode
Fully compatible with Windows
Laser-engraved legends
Black ABS keycaps
Shine-through legends
Rainbow LED backlighting
Here is the link to the product: (requires massdrop account):
http://j.mp/1cdeuX2
Stay tuned for the 104 RGB version unboxing coming soon!
Check out my other channel for Tutorials, Build Guides, and How-To's - youtube.com/johnnythegeek
This case is available now on amazon:
http://amzn.to/1R0eF5J
Be sure to subscribe to my main channel to see a build guide or live build guide using this case!
Check out my other channel for Tutorials, Build Guides, and How-To's - youtube.com/johnnythegeek
Here is a link to it: http://j.mp/1soreCS
Check out the Unboxing video here: youtu.be/w_wAmiODRCQ
Corsair’s new M65 PRO RGB is a competition-grade FPS gaming mouse with the technology you need to win, the flexibility to make it your own, and the build quality to last. The high-accuracy 12,000 dpi optical sensor provides pixel-precise tracking and the advanced surface calibration support offers supreme responsiveness for your playing surface. An aircraft-grade aluminum chassis provides low weight and high durability, and with the dedicated sniper button, take advantage of on-the-fly dpi switching to instantly match mouse speed to gameplay demands for extreme accuracy.
The M65 PRO RGB’s advanced weight tuning system allows the gamers to adjust the mouse’s center of gravity to match their play style; lighter for fast-deadly precision and heavier for decisive movements. Harness the power of Corsair Utility Engine (CUE) for advanced button configuration, macro programming and three-zone dynamic multi-color backlighting customization. Gain an advantage by customizing your configuration and play your way with the eight strategically placed reprogrammable buttons. High-capacity Omron switches rated for 20 million clicks and low friction PTFE glide pads ensures reliable performance that holds up through even the longest campaigns.
Check out my other channel for Tutorials, Build Guides, and How-To's - youtube.com/johnnythegeek
This case is available now on amazon:
http://amzn.to/1R0eF5J
Be sure to subscribe to my main channel to see a build guide or live build guide using this case!
Check out the review video with a mATX system build:
youtu.be/Lm9MMTw4up8
Check out my other channel for Tutorials, Build Guides, and How-To's - youtube.com/johnnythegeek
These feature the exclusive (for now) Cherry MX Speed Switches. These switches have a silver colored stem and the actuation point is 1.2mm instead of 2mm on a standard Cherry MX Red switch.
According to Corsair, this makes the switch 40% faster than a standard red switch. The Cherry MX Speed switch is similar to the standard Cherry MX Red switch, but the only difference is the shorter travel distance to the actuation point.
For those who want to know the dimensions: 356mm x 166mm x 37mm
It weighs about 2 pounds without the wrist pad. and 2.25lbs with it.
As of the uploading of this video, I can only find the keyboard for purchase at Best Buy: http://j.mp/29GZkgG
Check out my other channel for Tutorials, Build Guides, and How-To's - youtube.com/johnnythegeek
I took it with me to Tokyo Japan over the holidays and the batteries lasted the whole trip.
If you want to purchase one, here is an affiliate link:
gudsenmoza.refersion.com/c/8ddf9
Link to it on Amazon:
http://j.mp/2tKJCsC
Link to unboxing video:
youtu.be/Ug0xeSZL2b4
Be sure to stay tuned for the full review.
Pricing and Availability TBD
Link to the personal rig video here:
youtube.com/watch?v=oPE_L6tQsEs
This is just some footage what what I saw there. Hope you enjoy and as always, thanks for watching!
Stay tuned for a 360 degree walk through of the show floor!
This is definitely a great upgrade to the ikan ds1 I had been using. The battery life is amazing on this and the build quality it top notch. The case is hard foam so it's protected well.
Link to the Crane 2: http://j.mp/2ulzTMs
Crane 2 Servo Follow Focus: http://j.mp/2uk0DwJ
Crane 2 Dual Handheld Extended Handlebars: http://j.mp/2urHkSv
Music provided by Argofox:
Viilo - Starry Night
youtu.be/rXEyXRsUt28
Check out the LA Explorer: youtube.com/thelaexplorer
So far my impressions of this has been great because of the exceptional build quality.
I am looking forward to testing it out with 2 different cameras: Panasonic gh5 and Canon 5D Mark iii running Magic Lantern.
I want to show you how the focus wheel works, active tracking, and some comparison between this handheld gimbal and a low flying drone.
You can get this on Amazon now:
http://amzn.to/2sr7Om0
Specifically for RAM and graphics cards are both double the price. So this video isn't about what kind of computer you can build for $500. It's two computers I spent $500 to build sometime ago against each other.
This is the first time I had done a video like this with benchmarks of many games and programs. I am looking to display the results in a better way so stay tuned.
Anyways, here is the link to the video clip to edit: http://bit.ly/2DJj2Y2
As always, thanks for watching.
Case Swap Video: youtu.be/qJvusfgwQqw
Parts List:
AMD PC
Motherboard: MSI B350M Gaming Pro - Amazon - $70
CPU: AMD Ryzen 3 1200 - EBAY - $90
RAM: DDR4 8GB 24000 - Ebay - $100
PSU: EVGA 450BT - Amazon - $20
SSHD: Seagate Firecuda 2TB - Amazon - $65
GPU: Gigabyte RX460 4GB - Amazon $120
Case: Cooler Master Mastercase 3.1 - Newegg - $35
Total $500
Intel PC
Motherboard: MSI B250 Pro Amazon $57
CPU:Intel 4560 Amazon $83
RAM: DDR4 8GB 24000 - Ebay - $100
PSU: EVGA 450BT - Amazon - $20
SSHD: Seagate Firecuda 2TB - Amazon - $65
GPU: Gigabyte 1050ti 4GB - Amazon $150
Case: Cooler Master Mastercase 3.1 - Newegg - $35
Total $510
Here is the list of games and all the parts in the systems:
Ashes of the Singularity: Escalation
Metro Last Light Redux
PLAYERUNKNOWN'S BATTLEGROUNDS
Doom
Overwatch
Grand Theft Auto V Rockstar
Fortnite
PC Mark 8
3dMark
Unigine Heaven
These titles are a maybe if I can get a good deal on them:
Destiny 2
Call of Duty
Assassin's Creed Origins
AMD PC
Motherboard: MSI B350M Gaming Pro - Amazon - $70
CPU: AMD Ryzen 3 1200 - EBAY - $90
RAM: DDR4 8GB 24000 - Ebay - $100
PSU: EVGA 450BT - Amazon - $20
SSHD: Seagate Firecuda 2TB - Amazon - $65
GPU: Gigabyte RX460 4GB - Amazon $120
Case: Cooler Master Mastercase 3.1 - Newegg - $35
Total $500
Intel PC
Motherboard: MSI B250 Pro Amazon $57
CPU:Intel 4560 Amazon $83
RAM: DDR4 8GB 24000 - Ebay - $100
PSU: EVGA 450BT - Amazon - $20
SSHD: Seagate Firecuda 2TB - Amazon - $65
GPU: Gigabyte 1050ti 4GB - Amazon $150
Case: Cooler Master Mastercase 3.1 - Newegg - $35
Total $510
The size and weight is a little too heavy for me but I am currently using the Lenovo Legion y720 and that thing is heavier and bulkier.
Here is a link to the demo file for you to edit in adobe premiere:
http://j.mp/2AGB4nO
In the future I want to add the project files for premiere and run this same test in Davinci Resolve 14.
There will be a second part of this moving Vlog where I show you my setup of all my stuff.
In the mean time I will be finishing up the battle of the budget pc video and the review of the helios 300 from acer. I also got in a light stike keyboard from bloody keyboards so stay tuned for that as well.
Thanks for watching everyone!
Time: August 13th to August 23th
This giveaway is available to US residents only.
Giveaway Link:
facebook.com/letsvava/videos/1971794536442076
(Shortened link: http://bit.ly/2uCWbVv )
EDIT: A keyboardist is someone who plays an electronic keyboard. I was suppose to say typist. Derp.
Hey what’s up everyone johnnythegeek here and this is a review of the VАVА Chroma RGB Месhаnісаl Gаmіng Κеуbоаrd.
Link to it is here: http://j.mp/vavajtg
Use discount code 7QENSEKL for 15% off. Offer expires August 31st 2017
The product page of it is here: vava.com/products/9B8C2EE33222
Many of you that saw my Ryzen 5 Budget Gaming System suggested that I use the intel G4560 and 1050ti so I did an almost identical build with those parts.
I want to mention that I did not have to use 3000mhz RAM because the motherboard chipset does not officially support anything higher than 2400mhz. You can save about $5-$10 on ram by going with some OEM branded memory.
Here are the parts list:
Intel 4560 + MSI B250 Pro $125
Aegis DDR4 3000mhz $55
WD Blue 1TB $50
EVGA 450BT $20
DeepCool Case $35
Gigabyte 1050ti 4GB $120
Total $405
Realistically you might not be able to get the graphics card for the same price I did. So as of today, you would need to add another $45 to this system making it a $450 system just like the Ryzen 5 build I did. Those part are even cheaper now too.
So if you watched to the very end of this video you saw the teaser to the next video I will be making. Lets see how well the AMD and Intel systems perform in games. I can already tell you that a few of the parts have changed in both systems. Stay tuned for that!
Hey what's up everyone, johnnythegeek here with a long overview of the Acer Predator Helios 300.
Link to it can be found here: http://j.mp/2uxYCwv
This is going to be an awesome laptop that's an all around work horse of a system.
I wanted to note that the SSD that comes with this is an NVME drive but it's kind of on the slow side for an NVME. I plan on swapping it out with a 256GB 950 Pro.
Looking forward to testing this out. What games for desktop and VR should I play?
I already know I will be playing Overwatch, Rocket League, maybe Titan Fall 2 and Star Trek Bridge Crew on the HTC Vive.
There is a Cherry Blue switch version but unfortunately that version is only available in Korean.
Forgive me for some editing mistakes. I didn't have time to warp stabilize everything because I am on my way to get some E3 footage. Stay tuned for that!
I modified the lens by swapping it out with a non wide angle lens. More on that later with a video guide.
By the way, the battery from the last generation 4K is compatible with this new gen 4K Plus.
Here is a link to the camera.
http://j.mp/yi4kp
One thing I left out here that makes me a damn liar is that I didn't show the cinebench score after overclocking the CPU. the CPU did 813 after overclocking it. You can actually see the previous scores above the stock clocks in the cinebench score.
Like I said in the video I want to test this system more with some content creation and edit 4K video with it.
Yes I will also be comparing this to an Intel 4560 and a 1050ti. Both systems should be about the same price. Even though I save some money on the CPU and Mobo, I will be paying a little bit more on the GPU. Stay tuned for that.
Here is the list of the extra parts:
Monitor: Dell SE2717H/HX - $165 http://j.mp/2rCmVHU
Alternative Monitor: Dell SE2717HR - $150 http://j.mp/2rCjvEY
GPU: RX480/580 - $205 http://j.mp/2rCxL0N
RAM: OEM DDR4 2400 Ebay - $50
Alternative RAM: Newegg - $55 http://j.mp/2rCDxPU
CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 $65 http://j.mp/2rCxvP3
Keyboard: Kumara K552 $30 - http://j.mp/2rCHOTy
Mouse: Tecknet Gaming Mouse - $10 http://j.mp/2rCmygx
MousePad: Cmhoo - $10 - http://j.mp/2rCId8w
Hard Drive - 1TB WD Blue - $50 - http://j.mp/2rCp2eL
Total for all peripherals and accessories is $525
Plus $450 computer and the grand total is $975+tax
Oh geez, forgot about adding the cost to Windows 10 for $30 here on kinguin.net - http://j.mp/2sbJPTx
Well its been over a year now and I finally uploaded a new video. The Ryzen hype train was too strong to not build a system and for $450 this machine is pretty snappy.
Hopefully I am able to make a part two where I benchmark the system using cinebench, firestrike, overwatch, adobe premiere, after effects, and maybe divinci resolve 14.
I can already tell you that this machine plays Overwatch on Ultra 1080p hitting 70FPS on a Dell 75hz Freesync monitor.
So here are the specs:
Motherboard: MSI B350M Gaming Pro - Amazon - $60
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 1400 - Fry's Electronics - $150
RAM: OEM DDR4 8GB 24000 - Ebay - $50
PSU: EVGA 450BT - Amazon - $22
SSD: Drevo X1 Pro 128GB - Amazon - $50
GPU: Gigabyte RX460 2GB - Amazon Warehouse $83
Case: Deepcool Tesseract - Newegg - $35
Total without tax: $450
Total with California Tax: $489
What about the RX 560 you ask? Yes, if you can find one for $100 or less, then by all means get that instead of this 460. At the time of the making of this video, the 560 wasn't out yet.
Here are the parts list in case you wanted to know:
Motherboard: MSI PC Mate Z87 $40
CPU: Intel G3258 - $50
CPU Cooler: Stock Intel
RAM Patriot Viper 8GB $35
SSD: Crucial M500 240 - $70
HDD: WD Blue 1TB - $50
GPU: POwer Color HD 7870 2GB $80
PSU: LEPA 600 watt - $30 After Rebate
Case: Corsair 600t White- $100
Alternative Case - Deepcool Tesseract - $35
Total: $450
ALT Total - $385
Check out the parts list unboxing video here:
youtu.be/zxecn2hWoqI78
UPDATE: So did I build a computer in less than 20 minutes? Technically yes. Did it actually work? Absolutely not. But after another 15 minutes of trouble shooting and help from a couple of viewers, I was able to get it up....err I mean working.
I will certainly be trying this again because it was fun as hell!
Here are the parts list in case you wanted to know:
Motherboard: ECS Deluxe Z87H3-M
CPU: Intel G3258
CPU Cooler: Stock Intel Cooler
RAM: Crucial Value RAM
SSD: Kingston Hyper X 120GB
HDD: WD Black 1TB
GPU: AMD 8570 series OEM Pull
PSU: EVGA 430 watt
Case: Deepcool Tesseract Blue
Motherboard: MSI A88X-G45 Gaming $40
CPU: Intel AMD 860K - $60
CPU Cooler: Raijintek Themis - $24
RAM AMD Radeon Performance Series 8GB 1866Mhz - $60
SSD: AMD OCZ 128GB - $54
HDD: WD Blue 1TB - $50
GPU: MSI Twin Frzr 270X - $150
PSU: Sentry XPLUS Power 725watt - $46
Case: NZXT S340 - $65
Total: $550
Watch the Live Unboxing of the parts list here:
youtu.be/28om8DB-DXg
This is a long 3-in-1 video from start to finish. The only thing I did not include is going to the motherboard manufacturers website to download the drivers. One thing I wanted to note was that I shot all of this in 1080p @ 60 frames per second and it looks really smooth. Some parts where I speed things up don't look that smooth but it is better than 30fps in my opinion.
The parts might seem outdated from 2014 but at the time of this posting in LATE 2015, there hasn't been a new chipset or CPU class that has replaced it. Even going into 2016 there would probably be a new CPU and chipset that is more power efficient and requires DDR4 memory. There might also be a 950ti by the time you see this so get that instead if it's only $20-$30 more.
Parts List: 0:17
Build Guide: 02:51
Windows Installation: 12:49
Links to Parts:
Motherboard: MSI H81M-P33 - $52
http://amzn.to/1J7edOF
CPU: Intel G3258 - $50
http://amzn.to/1DSJcST
RAM: Crucial Balistix Sport Kit - $43
http://amzn.to/1feJFD5
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Gemini M4 - $30
http://amzn.to/1UKoMPZ
SSD: Silicon Power S60 - $48
http://amzn.to/1UKqDo7
Hard Drive: Seagate 1TB - $51
http://amzn.to/1J7fyVH
Power Supply: EVGA 500watt PSU - $43
http://amzn.to/1feK5ZS
GPU: Gigabyte 750ti - $105 After Rebate
http://amzn.to/1UKpoFo
Case: Fractal Design Core 1000 - $50
http://amzn.to/1UKpWuS
Alternate Case: Silverstone Tek PS08B - $35
http://amzn.to/1UKqd10
So roughly the system build total cost is about $460 plus tax and or shipping. These prices are subject to change so it could be as low as $400 depending on whether or not you get both a HDD and SSD.
I am also trying out the whole Point Of View (POV) shot and it looks kind of ok. I had to stabilize it, export it, re-import it, and then speed it up.
You can skip to th ePOV part by clicking here: 20:27
If you want to see an even longer parts list video as well as an explanation as to why I chose this and what I will be doing with this system, check out the Vblog video here: http://youtu.be/GEwet4J1rjw
The steps I found online were good but one of them in particular made things complicated and so I put that step last so that everything would run more smoothly.
The first 5 or 6 minutes of this video is the actual doing part and the rest of it is all talk about what I will be doing next. This is something that I can see many people wanting to do because they want to use their own router.
Here are the steps:
1
Unplug the coaxial cable from the back of the modem.
2
Connect a computer to one of the Ethernet ports.
3
Open the Web browser; then type http://192.168.0.1 in the address bar. Press "Enter," and the browser will display a login screen.
4
Enter the user name and password. The default user name is "admin," and the default password is "motorola."
5
Set the "DHCP" drop-down menu to "No."
6
Click the "Wireless" tab, and select "Primary Network" on the left menu bar. Set the "Primary Network" drop-down menu to "Disabled."
7
Click the "Advanced" tab, and select "Options."
8 (this step might not be needed) Not in my video
Check the "Enable" box next to "Rg PassThrough." Enter the MAC address of your router in the box next to the "Add Mac Address" button; then click the button.
9
Select the "Basic" tab, and set "NAPT mode" to "Disabled." Click "Apply."
10
Click "Apply," and restart the modem.
All of these PC's are not to be taken as the latest and greatest of parts. A lot of it is obsolete and not the best choice when choosing what would most compliment each other. Most of the components here really came from what ever I saw on the internet that was for sale.
Build 1:
1:40
Build 2:
59:00
Build 3:
01:56:00
Build 4:
03:23:36
Build 5:
04:35:49
Now I know that all these parts have been out since 2013 and it is now almost late 2014. You might even be watching this in 2015. But guess what, as of the posting of this video, the parts have not been surpassed by newer parts yet!
For the parts lists check it out here:
http://youtu.be/cImpHx0jrz0
For the Windows Installation Guide check that out here:
http://youtu.be/wJF7kkRuXmc
This guide can also be applied to many other systems both intel and amd systems. Of coarse different manufactures website and different models will require different drivers. But the steps are almost the same.
It will take some time for me to make the Troubleshooting guide and I will be using a different setup because I have sold this particular system.
Link to the parts list:
http://youtu.be/cImpHx0jrz0
Link to the build guide:
http://youtu.be/HNJxOXXIKxY
Creating a Bootable Windows 7 USB Installation Drive
http://youtu.be/AdlIrEcaW38
Now I know that all these parts have been out since 2013 and it is now almost late 2014. You might even be watching this in 2015. But guess what, as of the posting of this video, the parts have not been surpassed by newer parts yet!
Here are the list of parts:
Motherboard - ASRock ATX FM2 FM2A88X EXTREME6+ $115
http://j.mp/1tc2tEw
CPU - AMD 760K $85
http://j.mp/1tc2Qiu
CPU Cooler: Hyper 212 Evo - $32
http://j.mp/1tc3We3
RAM - 8GB Gskill 2133 (alternate) Kingston Hyper Red 1600 $76
http://j.mp/1tc36Or
GPU - ASUS R7 260X - $130
http://j.mp/1tc3yw1
SSD - Kingston HyperX 3K 120 GB - $85
http://j.mp/1tc3PPF
HDD - WD Blue 1TB - $58
http://j.mp/1tc4dxF
DVD Burner LG $16
http://j.mp/1tc4mAZ
PSU -Antec Neo Eco 620 $45
Alternative Thermaltake 600watt (Best Price)
http://j.mp/1tc4z7u
Alternative Corsair Builder CX 600watt $60
http://j.mp/1tc4RLs
Case: Fractal Design Arc Midi R2 (No Window) $100
http://j.mp/1tc58Oq
Alternative Cases:
NZXT H440 $120
http://j.mp/1tc5pRF
Fractal Design Core 3000 $78
http://j.mp/1tc5DIr
Corsair Carbide Spec-02 $60
http://j.mp/1tc5QeK
Alternative GPU:
MSI R7 265 $150
http://j.mp/1tc7JIq
EVGA 750ti $140
http://j.mp/1tc7Qnf
MSI R9 270 $180
http://j.mp/1tc7VXW
Link to the build guide:
http://youtu.be/HNJxOXXIKxY
For the Windows Installation Guide check that out here:
http://youtu.be/wJF7kkRuXmc
Here is the link to the unboxing video of this Lenovo C460.
http://youtu.be/3hnsu9UiPio
Link to the other channel:
youtube.com/itsgoodtobegeek
2 things I forgot to mention is that when you plug back the SATA cables, try and make sure you plug them into the exact same ports. The boot order of you drives might be affected if you plug them into different ports. It won't break anything if you plug them into different ports. It just might be a hassle configuring it all back correctly. It's just easier if you use the same ports.
The other thing is to set the time in the BIOS. Since it was reset, the time gets reset too. Don't just change the time in the OS. Leave that alone. When there is a mismatch, things might not work correctly.
A little back story on this particular system is that it is a Hackintosh I built for a media production company almost 2 years ago. This system has been running great so far. Usually all day everyday, editing videos in multimedia production.
Here are the links to the parts:
Motherboard Asrock FM2A88X Extreme 6+
http://j.mp/1jKKe2l
AMD 760K CPU:
http://j.mp/1jKKfDy
G. Skill 2133 DDR3 PC3 17000:
http://j.mp/1jKKheK
WD Blue 1TB HDD:
http://j.mp/1jKKkqI
ASUS R7 260X:
http://j.mp/1jKKm1Q
I recommend this EVGA NVIDIA 750ti instead:
http://j.mp/1jKKpuF
Corsair CX 500:
http://j.mp/1jKKrmm
Or the EVGA 500W PSU is also a good choice:
http://j.mp/1jKKuhQ
ModRight Xtreme Antistatic Mat:
http://j.mp/1jKKzCc
The other Anti-Static Mat I used to stand on:
http://j.mp/1jKKBKr
Honestly though I think an exercise mat would do the same. I see no difference in material.
http://j.mp/1jKKNcs
I forgot to mention that the easiest way to turn off the Wireless is to hold the side Wireless button for 3 seconds. You will see the blue led flash a few times and then it will stop flashing. That means it is off.
There are a combination of GPU in these systems and they are made up of:
R9 290's - 280X's - 270's
All together they hash at about 15.2 Mega Hash a second
On the GPU they get to about 90 Degrees Celsius but temps emanating from the cards get to about 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
They are stored in the garage and have box fans blowing and exhausting air all around them.
This will probably be the last video I do for the Acer C710. I hope to move onto the C720. I will periodically use the 710 to see if my other videos are still relevant since many are saying they are out dated.
Link to the instructions I used:
j.mp/c7flashstock
Link to my ogbios.bin:
j.mp/1hCWe77
Link to previous video:
Natively Running Windows 7 on Acer C7 Chromebook
http://youtu.be/m5crPfEAhvs
How to Create a Linux USB Installation Drive
http://youtu.be/MolErPBjAo8
How to install Linux on Acer C710 Chromebook Running Coreboot BIOS
http://youtu.be/Py4rdoab3xk
Here are the links:
Natively Running Windows 7 on Acer C7 Chromebook
http://youtu.be/m5crPfEAhvs
How to Create a Linux USB Installation Drive
http://youtu.be/MolErPBjAo8
Installing Linux Programs On Chromebook Running Crouton
http://youtu.be/OGvC0TWPk-g
Stay tuned for 1 more video on how to flash everything back to stock Chrome OS.
If you are experiencing problems with your USB device, check out my video on using DISKPART in the command line:
http://youtu.be/8TQ1RpToSsk
LinuxLive USB Creator is a free and open-source software for Windows. It will help you in your journey of discovery with Linux. For you, LiLi creates portable, bootable and virtualized USB stick running Linux.
http://www.linuxliveusb.com
Ubuntu Linux:
You can choose between two options when you download Ubuntu for a desktop PC. Ubuntu 13.10 gives you all the latest features, while Ubuntu 12.04 LTS comes with extended support.
http://www.ubuntu.com
Other Linux Distros:
Linux Mint: http://www.linuxmint.com
SteamOS: http://store.steampowered.com/livingroom/SteamOS
http://youtu.be/lcMvZzbjPiA
This is the Acer C710 Chromebook aka 1st generation Acer C7 running Windows 7 64bit natively. This is a clean install of Windows running a custom BIOS ROM known as Coreboot with a SeaBios payload.
It is very important that the jumper is set when you are making a back up and obviously when you are flashing the ROM. If you make a backup without the jumper being set, then your backup rom will not be good. If you try to re-flash the with a bad original rom, YOU WILL BRICK IT! So be careful.
I don't recommend that you try this unless you are fully prepared to brick your Chromebook. This is not a definitive guide. Here are the links I used to get information from:
To skip the talking and entering the Developer mode, jump to 02:40 for disabling the write protect chip.
Make sure you download the ROM file called coreboot-parrot-seabios-windows-27102013.rom. It was made specifically to boot and load Windows if that is what you are attempting to do. I did this at 9:17
Pre-built Coreboot ROM file:
http://j.mp/1bQFEgG
Coreboot Tutorial from OSCON 2013:
http://j.mp/1bQFPsf
Acer C756 Drivers: http://j.mp/1e8KDOP
Creating a Bootable Windows 7 USB Installation Drive:
http://youtu.be/AdlIrEcaW38
Windows 7 Professional English 32-bit: http://j.mp/18frR3m
Windows 7 Professional English 64-bit: http://j.mp/18frTZ7
Be sure to watch it in HD!
In this video, I am installing some frequently requested programs onto the Acer C7 Chromebook running Crouton. I will have the list of commands posted here soon as well as time codes that you can click on to jump to specific parts of the video. This also works for just about all the chromebooks out there with enough space.
For those who just cant wait the process to install Java and then minecraft starts at 12:43
To start Linux from a fresh boot type:
Key combination: Ctrl+Alt+T
Commands:
shell
sudo startXXXX
where XXXX is the distribution you installed
If you want to start all over like I did, you do not need a recovery drive or some crazy linux skills to format the drive. All you have to do is press spacebar at the OS Verification screen on startup and then press Enter to confirm. Just remember to back any locally stored files because turning on OS verification will wipe out all your data and settings. The same goes for turning off OS verification and entering developer mode. SO BACK IT UP!!!
http://youtu.be/d_MuVwJq_XQ
This is an easy method of installing the Ubuntu Linux OS along side the Chrome OS on the Acer C7 Chromebook. I like this method a lot better. This method does also work for the ARM Chromebooks such as the Samsung series. For the Chromebook Pixel you have to type in a slightly different command to install. That command for the pixel is:
sudo sh -e ~/Downloads/crouton -t touch,xfce
The only thing I can't really do is boot straight into ubuntu. I always have to type in the commands. Maybe there is a method or command that will boot linux on startup but I don't know it. Feel free to look it up and comment if there is a way.
For those looking to wipe and start from scratch, here is the link that video:
http://youtu.be/IZntFeXYiyg
Here is the link to the Lifehacker instructions I followed:
http://j.mp/14QIkGZ
Create a Recovery Drive on the Chromebook
http://youtu.be/s0gNi4sNLiQ?t=11m34s
Switching Between Environments
To go switch back and forth between Chrome OS and your Linux desktop environment, use the following keyboard shortcuts:
ARM (like the Samsung Series 3 Chromebook): Ctrl+Alt+Shift+Back and Ctrl+Alt+Shift+Forward
Intel x86/AMD64 (like the Chromebook Pixel and $200 Acer Chromebook): Ctrl+Alt+Back and Ctrl+Alt+Forward plus Ctrl+Alt+Refresh
If you want to exit the chroot, just log out of the Xfce desktop (or the Unity desktop, if you're using that). You'll then need to run the startxfce4 command above to enter the chroot again.
Removing Crouton and Restoring Your Chromebook
If you decide you're done with Linux, you can easily get rid of the scary boot screen and get your internal storage space back.
Just reboot your Chromebook normally to get back to the scary warning screen at boot-up. Follow the prompts on your screen (tap the Space bar and then press Enter) to disable Developer Mode. When you disable Developer Mode, your Chromebook will clean everything up, restoring you to a clean, safe locked-down Chrome OS system and overwriting all the changes you've made to your Chromebook's software.


