ChromeOS is an operating system created by Google that is used on Chromebook computers. A Chromebook computer is a web-centric laptop or notebook that differs from a typical Windows or macOS computer in that it doesn't come with the software traditionally used on laptops.
Chromebooks can only install software from the Google Play app store, and most Chromebooks also support Android apps. A list of Chromebooks that support Android apps can be found here.
If you want to use the DigiDoc software on a Chromebook computer, there are two options:
- If your Chromebook supports the Google Play application store, it is possible to install the RIA DigiDoc mobile application from there, but it cannot be used in full functionality.
The RIA DigiDoc application allows you to sign documents, check the validity of signatures and encrypt or decrypt documents. More detailed information about RIA DigiDoc and its functionalities can be found here.
Because smart cards can only be used on a Chromebook for a limited number of use cases, the ID-card cannot be used on a Chromebook with the RIA DigiDoc application, as the use of smart cards on a Chromebook is not currently supported in Android applications. More information about ChromeOS smart card support can be found here.
- In full functionality, including with an ID-card, the ID-software can be used on a Chromebook computer with the DigiDoc4 desktop application.
- To use the DigiDoc4 application and to authenticate and sign online with an ID-card, you must first install Linux and then the corresponding application on your Chromebook. Linux installation is supported by most ChromeOS devices. A detailed list of devices can be found here.
To use an ID-card on a Chromebook:
1. Install Linux:
Go to Settings -> Developers and turn on the Linux development environment.
After installing Linux, a terminal window will automatically open, where you have to enter the following command: sudo apt install lsb-release
2. Install ID-software:
Download the ID-software for Linux on your computer and run it.
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Show Hide In the case of Linux, software installation takes place with the help of an automated script via command line. You can find more information in Ubuntu ID software installation, updating and removal instructions, if necessary.
Step 1: Download required script.
You can find it here: https://installer.id.ee/media/install-scripts/install-open-eid.sh
Step 2: Open the terminal and find the script directory.
Open the terminal and navigate to the directory where you saved the installation script using the “cd Folder name” command.
Don’t add quotes! For example, a navigation command might look like this: cd /home/username/Downloads
Step 3: Run AutoScript.
To start the script, enter the Terminal command: sh install-open-eid.sh and press Enter.
Step 4: Enter user password.
There’s nothing going on when you write your password – don’t let it get in the way 🙂 When you have entered the password in the correct format, press Enter.
Step 5: You will see the question “Do you want yo continue? [Y/n]”.
Agree to continue, enter Y on the keyboard and press Enter.
Step 6: If the DigiDoc4/ ID-software is installed successfully, the message “Thank you for using Estonia ID card!” Will be displayed on the terminal.
The terminal window can be closed.
3. Install a web browser on Linux:
Linux installed on a ChromeOS device does not have any web browser installed by default, and a web browser must be installed in order for the ID-card to be used for online authentication and signing.
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Show Hide - Google Chrome web browser for Linux can be downloaded here.
- Install the downloaded Chrome on your computer. To do this, open the downloaded file and press the blue "Install" button.
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Show Hide - Instructions for installing the Mozilla Firefox web browser can be found here.
4. Connecting the card reader to the computer:
Every time you connect the card reader to the computer, you will be asked which device you want to use the card reader with. In order to be able to use the ID-card in Linux, you have to select "Connect to a Linux device".
If the DigiDoc4 and Web eID cannot find the connected card reader, the PCSC service required to use the ID-card must be restarted. To do this, enter the terminal command: sudo service pcscd restart
5. Using the ID-card in the DigiDoc4 application and web browser
If the previous steps have been completed correctly, it is now possible to use the ID-card on the Chromebook.
The applications required to use the ID-card (DigiDoc4, Web eID and web browser), which you installed beforehand, can be found in the "Linux applications" directory of the start menu.
