Linux on a Mac?

Howdy folks!

How would I go about installing Linux on my Macbook Pro? I was wanting to try it out, but I have no clue exactly how to go about doing it. I downloaded the new version of it, and made the disk, but I was just wanting to make sure that I could actually do it before trying to install it.

So....can it be done with Bootcamp, or will I need some other type of software?

My first advice to you:

Make a backup! Too many folks have destroyed their OS X setup by attempting to install Linux and failed. Use cloning software to backup and also Time Machine. (SuperDuper or Carbon Copy Cloner)

To install Linux (Ubuntu or others) use rEFIt as a boot menu. Be sure to follow the directions carefully for installing refit.

You can create a Linux partition on your hard drive with Disk Utility. In order to do that you will have to boot your machine using your install DVD. Do not use Boot Camp to create a Linux partition. (It works, but Disk Utility is better)

The Linux partition is going to have to be formatted to a Linux file system during the install process anyway - that's why I do not recommend Boot Camp.

You can search through this forum for step by step instructions if you desire or go to one of the many Linux forums for further information. I recommend the Ubuntu forums.

Regards.

If you just want to play I recommend that you get VMware or Parallels which will create a virtual PC (it creates a file and runs from that) for you to load it on. This way you will leave your hard drive alone with less chance of destroying it.

+1 for using virtualization..I'd recommend Downloads - VirtualBox since it's free..use that to create a VM and then point it at the Linux ISO and you can play around with it to your heart's content..

Only Boot Camp if you want to reboot out of OS X into Linux and with good enough reason since Linux will work perfectly fine in the VM..

Regards

Thanks for that, I forgot about VirtualBox....

+1 for virtual box... I'm running lucid lynx in VBox right now. It's nice.