Introducing Linux on DeX

Linux on DeX allows you to enjoy a Linux environment any time any where

run on linux

Linux on DeX

Development environment on the go

Samsung DeX lets you turn your Galaxy Note9 into a PC-like experience with a single cable.

Productivity and entertainment were some of the many ways of using Samsung DeX. Now, with Linux on DeX a development environment is supported so you can also use your favorite development tools and packages on your mobile devices.

Here is how it works. You need to install the Linux on DeX app on your Galaxy Note9 or Tab S4, once the application is installed a secure container will be created and you can add an Ubuntu Linux image on this container to run it.

Enjoy a PC-like development experience with your mobile devices and Samsung DeX. Turn any place into a workplace.

Notice

  • Only use authorized images provided directly through Linux on DeX. Other versions or unauthorized images may not operate properly.
  • Linux on DeX currently supports one customized Ubuntu image (Ubuntu 16.04 LTS version provided by Canonical) which only operates on selected Samsung devices. (Note9 and Tab S4).
  • To operate properly, packages (apps and programs) must be built for ARM 64-bit and must comply with Android security policy.
  • Linux on DeX may slow down or suddenly be turned off in case of lack of memory. At least 15GB storage and 4GB RAM is required in your device for downloading a Linux image. Additional storage may be required when installing additional packages (apps and programs).
  • Linux on DeX runs only on Samsung DeX and you may need peripherals such as monitor, keyboard and mouse to have a full experience. Terminal mode can be run outside of Samsung DeX mode.
  • You need the latest software update installed on your mobile device to use Linux on DeX. Required software may not be available depending on the region at the moment. Please wait for the update and try again.
  • Tab S4 US LTE model currently does not support the latest SW required.
  • LINUX ON DEX IS PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL SAMSUNG BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES OR OTHER LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY DAMAGE TO COMPUTER SYSTEMS, HARDWARE OR SOFTWARE, LOSS OF DATA, OR ANY OTHER PERFORMANCE FAILURES, ANY ERRORS, BUGS, VIRUSES OR OTHER DEFECTS ARISING FROM, OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE LINUX ON DEX OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS THEREOF.

What can I do with Linux on DeX?

  • Download your source code from Git repository and maintain your code base.
  • Manage and monitor your server using server CLI.
  • Create C/C++/Java projects using your favorite IDE.
What can I do with Linux on DeX?

Linux on DeX on tablet

You can use Linux on DeX on Tab S4 as well to get the full productivity of a computer with the mobility of a tablet.

Linux on DeX

Our Partner

ubuntu

* Ubuntu 16.04 provided by Samsung Linux on DeX beta is a modified version of original Ubuntu image.

Get started with Linux on DeX

Linux on DeX beta is only supported on Galaxy Note9 and Tab S4

User account and password*
Default user account: dextop
Password: secret
*All in small CAPS and no spaces

1. Download the app

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Download and install Linux on DeX app on your Note9 or Tab S4.

2. Download and unzip a Linux image

Download a Linux image on your mobile device directly from the Linux on DeX App. Tap the icon, select the 'download from server' option, once the image is downloaded simply unzip it.

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Or, download a Linux image on your PC through this  server, copy it to your Galaxy device and unzip it.

3. Create your container

Once you've selected a Linux image, set it up an create your container with Linux on DeX app.

4. Work on the go

Now you are ready to run your Linux environment on Samsung DeX.

You can also use terminal mode directly on your mobile device.

Linux on DeX Android app is designed to run on full screen mode. In order to access Android task bar, place mouse cursor at the very top or bottom of the screen for more than 1 second.

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FAQS

1. How can I update my Linux image?

Currently, you have two ways in the below to update Linux image on your device. We strongly recommend you to backup your personal settings and contents saved in existing image before the update.

A complete new image will be available for download in linux on dex app. However, you will need to re-configure the Linux container and transfer your personal settings and contents to the new image.

A hot-fix package will also be available through Linux on DeX APT repository. It will only update the necessary softwares/pacakges in your existing Linux image, which greatly speeds up the update process and makes it possible to keep your personal settings and contents. Please understand that in rare cases, such modification of your existing Linux image might cause the loss of your personal settings and contents.

Therefore, we strongly recommend you to backup your personal settings and contents saved in existing image before the update.

To update your linux image using the hot-fix package, please follow the below instructions:


  1. Please run terminal mode or run gnome terminal on GUI mode.

  2. Please enter the following commands in order and case carefully.

    $ sudo -S wget -O - https://www.linuxondex.com/lodapt/keyFile | sudo apt-key add -

    $ sudo su
    # sudo -S printf "deb http://www.linuxondex.com/lodapt/ /\n" >> /etc/apt/sources.list

    # exit

    $ sudo -S apt update
    $ sudo -S apt install linux-on-dex lod-daemon
    //If you have a message about changing the Configuration file, please enter 'Y'.

  3. Restart the Linux on DeX app

2. What is the Sudo password for Linux on DeX(beta)?

The Sudo password for Linux on DeX (beta) is 'secret'. Default account information is set as below.

  • account: dextop
  • Password: secret

3. Which Samsung devices support the Linux on DeX (beta)?

Currently, Linux on DeX (beta) is supported on the Galaxy Note9 and Galaxy Tab S4.

See more

4. How can I report errors to Samsung?

Please report errors that occur while you're using Linux on DeX (beta) through the "Send error reports" feature on the Linux on DeX app. The log file will be attached automatically and we will only use the file to analyze your problem.

How to report issues:

  1. On the Linux on DeX application, select the button with three vertical dots (︙More options) at the upper right side and select [Send error reports].
  2. E-mail composer will be opened automatically (or choose e-mail application)
  3. Please provide us with the detailed information of the issue and send e-mail.

5. The Linux on DeX (beta) app keeps crashing. What can I do?

Linux on DeX is still in beta phase hence it may show instability. One of the known app crashing issue is related to Samsung DeX Labs and Developer option. We have fixed this issue, so we will update the app very soon. Please disable those options in Samsung DeX until the next app update.

How to disable settings:
- Samsung DeX settings > Samsung DeX Labs > disable "Force apps to resize"
- Samsung DeX settings> About Samsung DeX > turn off "Developer option"

6. How do I add languages in Linux on DeX (beta)?

You can add more languages by installing uim packages as follow: ex) Korean

  1. Update Repository
  2. Install uim input method editor
  3. Run 'gnome-laguage-selector' with root privilege
  4. Choose "Remind Me Later" in the pop-up message of "The language support is not installed completely."
  5. Choose "uim" for the "Keyboard input method system"
  6. Re-launch the 'guest linux'
  7. Application > System Tools > Preferences > Input Method
  8. uim Setting:
    1. Global settings > Input method deployment > Click the check box: Specify default IM / Default Input Methods>"Byeoru" / Enable only “Byeoru” of the Enabled input methods
    2. Toolbar > Display behavior >"Never"
    3. Global key bindings 1> remove all key settings from [Global] on and [Global] off
    4. Byeoru key bindings 1> Change key settings to space of both [Byeoru] on and [Byeoru] off.
  9. Re-launch the ‘guest linux’
  10. Try switching between the two languages w“Control+Shift+Space”.

7. How do I launch the Ubuntu on-screen keyboard in Linux on DeX(beta)?

Follow these steps to launch the Ubuntu on-screen keyboard:

  1. Applications > System Tools > Preferences > On-board Settings
  2. Keyboard > Advanced > Change "Input event source" from "Xinput" to "GTK"
  3. Applications > Universal Access > Onboard

8. There is no WiFi network connection on Linux on DeX, what should I do?

This is a known issue with power saving mode that we are fixing. If you are using power saving mode, try turning it off and try again.

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