Some popular Linux distributions include Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, Arch Linux, and CentOS.
Some popular Linux distributions include Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, Arch Linux, and CentOS.
You're exploring Ubuntu on an old MacBook and considering porting it to another system. Here are some Linux distributions well-suited for testing:
- **Linux Mint** – User-friendly, familiar interface.
- **Arch Linux** – Lightweight, customizable, great for learning.
- **Fedora** – Modern, actively maintained, good for developers.
- **Debian** – Stable and reliable, ideal for beginners.
- **Kali Linux** – Security-focused, useful for penetration testing.
- **Ubuntu Lite** – Smaller footprint, easier to run on limited hardware.
These options let you experiment without committing to a full installation.
It would be useful to clarify your intentions, since a distribution typically aims to provide specific guidance while offering broad capabilities.
For those familiar with Windows, Zorin OS works well. Explore the guide for Linux distributions similar to macOS here: https://www.howtogeek.com/which-linux-di...ike-macos/
Check out this article on the top Linux distributions for gaming in 2025, including my personal picks.
I run both Windows 11 and Linux Mint on my Dell Lat 9520, exploring the benefits of each system. I wouldn't suggest alternatives for those just starting out; options like Zorin OS, Debian Desktop, or Arch Linux offer more depth. Mint works well for gaming with a desktop setup, while Bazzite provides a console-like feel with Steam integration and large displays. As @Blue4130 mentioned, think about everyone's input and choose the one that suits you best. No mistakes in picking a distro, but errors might appear if you try something different.
They mostly represent the same concept, each offering different package managers and default desktop environments. If you're familiar with Ubuntu, the Debian group feels natural. OpenCore Legacy Patcher is another choice if your MacBook no longer receives official OS updates but still supports a 64-bit EFI.
I’ll put another vote of confidence for OpenCore, I have a 2015 MacBook Air and a 2012 Mac mini both running MacOS Sequoia with the tool, and I started with older versions and have been able to upgrade fairly dramatically-free. Currently, Tahoe is still going to be an Apple-supported upgrade on certain newer Intel-platform machines, so OpenCore most likely will offer an upgrade path to that OS if your system is more-or-less hardware compatible. It’s a unique situation but worth mentioning: I had replaced the PCIe SSD in my MacBook with an OWC drive before this upgrade, and I had to rebuild the boot partition, which for a novice Linux/Unix user was not a fun time. That so far has been the only issue I’ve had with OpenCore, but it’s more an OWC issue than one with the patcher itself. On OE Apple drives and SATA SSDs it hasn’t been an issue in other machines.