0. Update your kernel (you might need to do this with older releases, ie 19.10+ you can skip this step):
On Ubuntu and similar distributions check out this URL for directions:
https://linuxhint.com/upgrade-kernel-ubuntu-1804/
Or on Trisquel or you otherwise want to run a free software kernel:
https://jxself.org/linux-libre
Or on CentOS 7/8/Redhat Enterprise Linux 7/8 check out these URLs:
First import the ELRepo public key via directions here: http://elrepo.org/
Then follow the directions found here to install a more recent kernel (CentOS 7/8):
http://elrepo.org/tiki/kernel-ml
1. Open a terminal window and gain admin access (click activities or your menu and search for terminal):
Example on Fedora/CentOS/Red Hat Enterprise Linux/and similar distributions run: su [enter]
Example on Trisquel/Ubuntu/Debian/Linux Mint/and similar distributions run: sudo su [enter]
Then enter your password.
2. Now execute the following command:
nano /etc/default/grub
3. Now, on RHEL/Fedora/CentOS find where it says 'GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX' or on Debian/Linux Mint/Ubuntu/Trisquel ‘GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT‘ and append ‘ acpi_osi=! acpi_osi=Linux’ (without quotes) into the current value, possibly after ‘quiet splash’ or 'rhgb quiet'.
Once you did this, do the following using your keyboard:
To save the file: CTRL+X, Y, ENTER
4. Now, update your grub file and reboot.
On Ubuntu/Debian/Linux Mint/Trisquel run the following commands:
update-grub
reboot
On UEFI installs with Fedora/CentOS/RHEL run the following commands:
grub2-mkconfig -o /boot/efi/EFI/centos/grub.cfg
5. Fully power off the computer and then turn it back on (if you only reboot the keys may not work)
Now utilize your FN key (hold it down while tapping on the appropriate keys to control the RGB keyboard lights):