Setting up Linux on an older iMac can be challenging but achievable with the right steps.
Setting up Linux on an older iMac can be challenging but achievable with the right steps.
Hello, I'm trying to convert my old iMac into a Linux workstation. I plan to wipe the original OS and likely switch to Lubuntu since it's already running on my Sony Vaio laptop. I've looked through various guides online, but most differ in their instructions. For example, one tutorial mentions editing a specific line after "Linux," but I'm not sure if that's accurate. The main issue is figuring out the right steps and whether the Macworld guide is reliable. Can someone confirm this?
nomodeset simply instructs the kernel to skip loading video drivers at startup and let Xorg initialize first. This is likely only required if you're seeing freezes or black screens during boot. If you don’t notice problems, you can remove it from the grub arguments. The instructions provided are outdated, originally shared on October 6, 2016. It’s possible the recommendation was made at that time, but it might now be unnecessary with a current distribution.
Obtain a USB bootable Linux image (such as burning it onto a stick or card) and start from there (press Option during boot). It should launch smoothly. Some MacBooks and other laptops may have graphics cards that cause problems with certain Linux distributions. Only use nomodeset if the system freezes after power-on. The main challenges compared to standard PCs are likely related to the bootloader; even manufacturers that use PC hardware (like Apple) can have quirks. Just install ReFind and proceed. TL;DR: It’s essentially the same as installing Linux on a regular laptop—no special steps needed. EDIT: Oops, I think I misread the device; it looks like an iMAC, not a MacBook Pro. But the core idea stays the same: it works just like any other PC with a BIOS.) Edited June 17, 2020 by Wild Penquin