this post was submitted on 07 Sep 2024
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Linux

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Question is title.

In the past I've installed many distros on many older PCs, but never used linux properly (although slowly moving over to avoid win11). I've also had a heap of history with windows installs.

A family member has been testing Mint on an old laptop and is going well. This is a trial run before I update their iMac laptop (not sure what one but no longer supposed by OS updates).

I've never booted to an iMac BIOS or installed over top of apple.

  • Is this going to be like installing over windows?
  • What issues can I expect?
  • Should I consider another distro?

Asking here as searching results in AI bullshit websites.

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[–] tvcvt@lemmy.ml 1 points 2 months ago

Linux runs fine on Intel Macs. There are a couple peculiarities you’ll want to be aware of, though.

  • Ventoy doesn’t work as an installer. The boot menu will come up, but any ISO you choose will hang
  • Not all distros will recognize the wireless card and install the firmware (Be prepared to install it using a USB to Ethernet adapter)
  • Same goes for the iSight web cam

Other than those initial hiccups, everything works pretty flawlessly.