Linux - Debian on a USB key - Mac-Forums.com

hello9 · 09-05-2009, 02:56 PM

Hi everyone,

I have a slight problem. I've (tried to) install Debian on a USB key on my Powerbook (PPC G4). The installation of yaboot failed (everything else allegedly worked), possibly because i didn't want Debian to touch my hard drive (only the usb key).

Does anyone know how I can boot Debian from the USB key (manually)?

Thanks a lot!

leopard-user1 · 09-06-2009, 01:01 PM

Try holding the Option key while booting. It should show your flash drive as a bootable disk.

hello9 · 09-07-2009, 03:36 AM

Unfortunately that doesn't work. I've tried it, but it never shows me the usb device as a bootable device... :S

chscag · 09-07-2009, 04:19 PM

You can not boot a PPC machine from a USB key or any other USB device. Install Debian on an external Firewire drive and it should boot OK.

Regards.

hello9 · 09-07-2009, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chscag

You can not boot a PPC machine from a USB key or any other USB device. Install Debian on an external Firewire drive and it should boot OK.

Regards.

Do you happen to know where I can get an affordable, small (!) firewire drive? Also, are you sure ppc can boot from firewire?

chscag · 09-08-2009, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hello9

Do you happen to know where I can get an affordable, small (!) firewire drive? Also, are you sure ppc can boot from firewire?

Small affordable firewire drives are hard to find. Most drives being sold nowadays are large and usually have connection for both firewire and USB. I would check on eBay first.

And yes, a PPC machine will boot from firewire. Do some searching in this forum for others who do it all time.

Regards.