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Linux on Mac

Linux on Mac

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LagMeter
Member
236
10-15-2016, 07:48 PM
#1
I use a Mac with Ubuntu installed on a USB drive and have a 10GB partition on my 2015 MacBook Air. I want to install Ubuntu on that partition so I can dual boot.
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LagMeter
10-15-2016, 07:48 PM #1

I use a Mac with Ubuntu installed on a USB drive and have a 10GB partition on my 2015 MacBook Air. I want to install Ubuntu on that partition so I can dual boot.

A
63
10-17-2016, 05:06 AM
#2
Reduce the partition size in OS X, then start from the live disk and install. It should be simple.
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ArrowGaming_YT
10-17-2016, 05:06 AM #2

Reduce the partition size in OS X, then start from the live disk and install. It should be simple.

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crazypotpie
Member
225
10-17-2016, 08:49 AM
#3
It's achievable and fairly simple, matching what @Electronics Wizardy mentioned. However, every Mac comes with a secured bootloader, even though full UEFI is supported. You must start in safe mode and clear the protection (referred to as SIP or System Integrity Protection). This can cause bootloader installation issues unless you turn it off. I believe most recent Linux setups should manage to bypass SIP during installation and set up the bootloader properly. This might explain @JayKay3000's issue. Occasionally, a bigger OS X upgrade will reset the bootloader. It’s wise to learn early how to boot into your Linux install and reinstall it (just the bootloader) when needed. I suggest using rEFInd or a similar boot manager. Check the details on SIP for more guidance.
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crazypotpie
10-17-2016, 08:49 AM #3

It's achievable and fairly simple, matching what @Electronics Wizardy mentioned. However, every Mac comes with a secured bootloader, even though full UEFI is supported. You must start in safe mode and clear the protection (referred to as SIP or System Integrity Protection). This can cause bootloader installation issues unless you turn it off. I believe most recent Linux setups should manage to bypass SIP during installation and set up the bootloader properly. This might explain @JayKay3000's issue. Occasionally, a bigger OS X upgrade will reset the bootloader. It’s wise to learn early how to boot into your Linux install and reinstall it (just the bootloader) when needed. I suggest using rEFInd or a similar boot manager. Check the details on SIP for more guidance.

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XQsess
Member
150
10-17-2016, 12:18 PM
#4
Additionally, when using a MacBook Pro or Air, keep these factors in mind: Not every distribution includes wireless drivers on the installation media (though they are available) Backlight adjustment can be challenging The Nouveau driver may or may not function, and NVidia can pose difficulties (on my MBP 5.5, no backlight in VCs across the Linux distributions I've tried, and Nouveau frequently crashes) The touchpad performance lags behind OS X (or: in fact, OS X gestures are exceptional; no one has matched them on Windows or Linux). It can be adjusted, but nothing rivals the OS X gestures OOTB. EDIT: A key consideration is that some Linux bootloaders—like GRUB 2—might fail to recognize OS X (this was a while ago, improvements possible). This could lead to the MacBook booting into Linux without an OS X option. That’s why I opted for rEFInd (it looks good, it was straightforward at first, though later I learned how to integrate OS X into GRUB).
X
XQsess
10-17-2016, 12:18 PM #4

Additionally, when using a MacBook Pro or Air, keep these factors in mind: Not every distribution includes wireless drivers on the installation media (though they are available) Backlight adjustment can be challenging The Nouveau driver may or may not function, and NVidia can pose difficulties (on my MBP 5.5, no backlight in VCs across the Linux distributions I've tried, and Nouveau frequently crashes) The touchpad performance lags behind OS X (or: in fact, OS X gestures are exceptional; no one has matched them on Windows or Linux). It can be adjusted, but nothing rivals the OS X gestures OOTB. EDIT: A key consideration is that some Linux bootloaders—like GRUB 2—might fail to recognize OS X (this was a while ago, improvements possible). This could lead to the MacBook booting into Linux without an OS X option. That’s why I opted for rEFInd (it looks good, it was straightforward at first, though later I learned how to integrate OS X into GRUB).

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MessiFan4evr
Member
119
10-17-2016, 12:29 PM
#5
For alternatives to using a live CD, check this guide: https://www.howtogeek.com/187410/how-to-...-on-a-mac/
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MessiFan4evr
10-17-2016, 12:29 PM #5

For alternatives to using a live CD, check this guide: https://www.howtogeek.com/187410/how-to-...-on-a-mac/