Linux on Mac

Will Ubuntu run on a Mac? If not what versions of Linux will? Thanks for any guidance. Van

Yes. You can run it via Bootcamp or as a virtual machine. There is Mac-model specific Ubuntu documention on their site such as this for you iMac:

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Intel_iMac

If that's not enough Google it and you'll find plenty of info like this:

How to set up Ubuntu Linux on a Mac -- it's easy and free

How To Install Ubuntu On Your Mac Using Parallels (Technology & Cars)

Enjoy!

I thought Bootcamp wouldn't run Linux.

Any linux OS should run in a virtual machine.

If you wish, you can run it in a virtual machine using a product like VMWare Fusion, Parallels or VirtualBox. What are you planning to do with your Linux install?

iPod Nano said:

I thought Bootcamp wouldn't run Linux.

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vansmith is correct, you can run Linux via a virtual machine (probably the easiest way). However it can also be run on its own:

rEFIt - An EFI Boot Menu and Toolkit

Oh, and BTW, I wouldn't recommend Ubuntu. I tried it and it just wouldn't work properly. I would install it, boot into it, and it wanted me to install it again.

A Linux kernel distro is a personal choice of course. Finding one that's updated regularly, has forums, etc. is a good start. Ubuntu is very popular. Mandriva and Fedora have a lot of supporters as well. I've had positive experiences with Debian/GNOME and CentOS. In an enterprise/server environment RedHat and Solaris are the current leaders. It really depends on what your goals are.

iPod Nano said:

Oh, and BTW, I wouldn't recommend Ubuntu. I tried it and it just wouldn't work properly. I would install it, boot into it, and it wanted me to install it again.

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Are you sure you didn't just forget to take the disc out? I believe Ubuntu has the option to boot directly into the installer off the disc so this could very well be the cause.

^I did it via disk image. When i removed the image it wouldn't work anymore. I'll try it again and start a thread if I have problems.

richsadams said:

Yes. You can run it via Bootcamp or as a virtual machine. There is Mac-model specific Ubuntu documention on their site such as this for you iMac:

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Intel_iMac

If that's not enough Google it and you'll find plenty of info like this:

How to set up Ubuntu Linux on a Mac -- it's easy and free

How To Install Ubuntu On Your Mac Using Parallels (Technology & Cars)

Enjoy!

Click to expand...

2 questions.

1. Is there a version specifically designed for MacBook like there is for iMac?
2. I saw someone at my school running ebuntu on their EEE PC. He had designed to look like Mac OS X. Can regular ubuntu do that?

iPod Nano said:

2 questions.

1. Is there a version specifically designed for MacBook like there is for iMac?
2. I saw someone at my school running ebuntu on their EEE PC. He had designed to look like Mac OS X. Can regular ubuntu do that?

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I'm pretty sure there's a MacBook tutorial on that same site...have a look around.

Ubuntu looks somewhat like a Mac anyway and if you used Mac icons, wallpaper, etc. I suppose you could get it to look like one. Are you sure he didn't have a Hackintosh?

Positive. It was a linux distribution. He had a dock which shows me it's highly customizable. But I'm almost positive it wasn't a hackintosh, the interface wasn't quite right to actually be Mac OS X.

A quick google search revealed this. It's definitely ubuntu Linux.

Turn Your Ubuntu Hardy to Mac OSX Leopard – Make Tech Easier

iPod Nano said:

A quick google search revealed this. It's definitely ubuntu Linux.

Turn Your Ubuntu Hardy to Mac OSX Leopard – Make Tech Easier

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Ah, there you go...a poor man's Mac.

Yeah, pretty much. But it has limitations, I'm sure.

It's the look I'm after, as I'm thinking of getting one of these laptops, loading it with Linux, and using it for notes and things like my friend does.

iPod Nano said:

Yeah, pretty much. But it has limitations, I'm sure.

It's the look I'm after, as I'm thinking of getting one of these laptops, loading it with Linux, and using it for notes and things like my friend does.

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Yep, looks nice and for basic computing will probably work fine. It'll confuse people from a distance anyway.

iPod Nano said:

Positive. It was a linux distribution. He had a dock which shows me it's highly customizable.

Click to expand...

The "dock" was probably awn which roughly replicates the dock from OS X in case you are/were interested.

For all folks who like to read the basics about Linux on Macs go to:

Linux on your Apple Mac | iLinux |

This site is dedicated to this subject.

jeroendiederen said:

For all folks who like to read the basics about Linux on Macs go to:

Linux on your Apple Mac | iLinux |

This site is dedicated to this subject.

Click to expand...

Nice. Thanks for that.