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junglejeff
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Joined: 01 Dec 2009
Posts: 2
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 Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2009 4:44 pm Post subject: Old mac-mini won't boot to linux install disks |
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Hello,
I have recently retired an old workhorse... my mac mini1,1. Its got a 1.66Ghz Intel Core duo, and a 60gb hard drive.
I am trying to install linux on it... specifically, Arch Linux. Unfortunatly, I have been unable to boot to an install CD. I do not get any error... just a nice black screen.
During boot, I hold down "option" to see all available boot disks, and select the CD from there. The screen goes blank, and then.... nothing.
I have tried several install disks... ubuntu, ubuntu alternate install, arch core, arch ISO linux.. nothing seems to work. The machine WILL boot to the OS X install disk, however.
Does anyone know what is wrong? What are my options? Is there some linux distro that people have used successfully with beloved old minis like mine?
Thanks,
junglejeff |
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junglejeff
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Joined: 01 Dec 2009
Posts: 2
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| Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2009 4:53 pm Post subject: |
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| Also, I will be wiping out the current OS installation on this machine.. no dual boot necesary. |
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MacDSmith2
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Joined: 17 Aug 2009
Posts: 779
Location: Phoenix
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| Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2009 7:27 pm Post subject: |
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I don't believe you can boot the Mac Mini directly into a Linux OS installation. You would need to use Parallels or Fusion to create a virtual Linux OS partition to install a UNIX OS into, just the same as if you were going to run Windows on the Mac.
_________________
Retired: Altair 8800, PET, TI 99/4A, Apple II
Mac Plus, Mac II, Mac SE/30, Quadra,
20th Anniversary Mac, iMac Purple, G4 Blue & White, iBook Clamshell
Active: Mac Mini (OCT 09) 4 GB RAM, 2.66 GHz, 500 GB HDD |
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billb
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Joined: 18 Jan 2009
Posts: 1300
Location: USA
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| Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2009 1:36 am Post subject: Boot Linux |
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I have burned many Linux Distros
to a DVD using the Mac's Disc Utility.
As long as you create a "Live" DVD
it will boot. I insert said "Live" DVD
into the Mac's DVD slot then Boot
holding down the Option Key. Then
choose the DVD. The Linux Distro
Boots fine and runs off of the DVD
as if it were installed on the Mac's
own Hard Drive.
Are you creating a "Live" DVD?
_________________
2011 Mac mini 2.7 GHz i7 with
16GB RAM, Samsung 512GB SSD
MacBook AIR 11 Inch
Mac mini, Model 1.1, 2.33 GHz C2D Proc
20" iMac G4 PPC |
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Aquafire
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Joined: 19 Sep 2007
Posts: 2372
Location: AUS-USA
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| Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2009 4:42 am Post subject: |
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Unfortunately running a distro live is not the same as installing it.
It is possible to install Linux by installing reEFit software.
http://refit.sourceforge.net/
This as you will note is not Arch but OpenSuse.
http://en.opensuse.org/OpenSUSE_on_a_Mac
Specific instructions for the Mac Mini are below.
http://tinyurl.com/yl8ln5r
There are no guarantee's that it will work...but give it a go if your willing.
Good luck
Aqua
_________________
Of the four X systems in the world.
Which would you choose?
OS X : LinuX : UniX or MS-BolloX.
Last edited by Aquafire on Wed Dec 23, 2009 4:55 am; edited 1 time in total |
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billb
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Joined: 18 Jan 2009
Posts: 1300
Location: USA
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| Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2009 4:55 am Post subject: Live DVD install option |
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A few of the Linux Distro Live DVD's I have used
had a desktop Icon that helped you partition your
HD And then install it on that partition. On a PC.
Wouldn't that work for a Mac? I guess not.
_________________
2011 Mac mini 2.7 GHz i7 with
16GB RAM, Samsung 512GB SSD
MacBook AIR 11 Inch
Mac mini, Model 1.1, 2.33 GHz C2D Proc
20" iMac G4 PPC |
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Aquafire
Veteran Member
Joined: 19 Sep 2007
Posts: 2372
Location: AUS-USA
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| Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2009 5:03 am Post subject: Re: Live DVD install option |
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| billb wrote: | A few of the Linux Distro Live DVD's I have used
had a desktop Icon that helped you partition your
HD And then install it on that partition. On a PC.
Wouldn't that work for a Mac? I guess not. |
Usually speaking most Linux distros use one of a couple of partition editors.
I am not sure if its necessary for the partition editors to 'see' HFS+, but it certainly would help.
I'm fairly sure Gparted 'sees' HFS & HFS+. As to whether it will allow editing/ resizing...? Well, that's another question.
Maybe Fox or Ghostdawg will be able to pitch in.
My bet would be to run a mature distro like Knoppix to find out.
Aqua
PS : I should add, that sometimes, some Partition Editors give the impression of having carried out a partitioning. Unfortunately, not every tick of the box happens to be true. Permissions may even be appropriately set, but nothing really happens on the table.
Sometimes, some partition editors can give a false answer.
Just another thing to watch out for.
_________________
Of the four X systems in the world.
Which would you choose?
OS X : LinuX : UniX or MS-BolloX. |
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