Hummm... I'm a little disappointed that this thread seems to be unused.
I'd very much like to install a linux distro (preferably Fedora, if possible) on my Samsung Galaxy J7. I've attempted to use LinuxDeploy, but the very first step is to "Get Superior Privileges". I do believe that, in English, that means to log on as root. There seems to be no way to do that, however.

If anyone can point me to any clear! reference or set of instructions for this task, I'd appreciate the link.

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Edit to add that the error I'm getting is with BusyBox. "There was a problem opening a shell with root access..." It goes on to say my device may be improperly rooted. I restarted, but get the same error.

Hi,

the device will absolutely need to be rooted. Looks like it isn't.

Evo2.

Uhhh, yes. And I'm asking how to do that, Evo.

That is device dependent and not necessarily possible. I suggest you check on an Android forum or similar.

I would recommend visiting XDA Developers Forum and searching for your exact device.

Getting custom android roms like lineageos is easier then getting linux installed. But check out PostmarketOS, Ubports, etc to see if your device is even supported.

Download and install UserLAnd from the Google Play Store.
Launch the UserLAnd app, then tap Ubuntu.
Tap OK, then tap Allow to grant the necessary app permissions.
Enter a Username, Password, and VNC Password for the Ubuntu session, then tap Continue.
Select VNC, then tap Continue.

I'd just like to point out that LinuxDeploy, as well as a whole slew of similar ones, will run a Linux distro in a container on top of Android - it is not the same as installing that distro on the device.

A few alternative (but still Android- or AOSP-based) ROMs exist, and in very rare cases (devices) it's possible to install an operating system that is really GNU/Linux and not Android.

So the 1st question is what you actually want as per above.

What does VNC have to do with rooting an Android phone, exactly?