Why why does Apple not support external SSD boot drive for Linux?. I want to run up Ubuntu server on my spare Mac-mini, while developing on my MacBookPro.
I really don't want to play around with the Mac-mini partitions either as this machine is a fallback in case the MacBookPro has problems. Any ideas?
Michael Black is correct that it should be no problem installing Linux onto a Mac Mini. If this is your first attempt installing Linux, then you want to be careful installing it to a system you want to keep intact. Just make sure when asked about the bootloader (if a choice is given), then select your external drive and not the internal drive containing OSX. This way your external drive can be easily moved to another UEFI booting system. I've installed Debian on multiple Intel Macs side by side with OSX on an internal drive, as the only OS on the internal drive, and to an external drive which I move from system to system.
The only time I ever had an issue was years ago on one or two 2006 era Intel Macs when I was trying to install a 64bit OS because one or two models only had a 32bit EFI to go with the 64bit CPU. I don't think this is an issue these days as I believe the distros have resolved the issue, but that would be the only difficulty that may exist if your Mac Mini falls into this category.
I don't have access to a 2018 Mini, but unless the hardware requires a driver which isn't in the default kernel of the OS you are installing I don't see a problem after disabling the T2 security as mentioned by Michael Black. If a newer driver is needed, then sooner or later the open source community will provide support as evidenced by the keyboard & trackpad support for the MBPro 2016-2017 laptops being implemented in the next Linux kernel.
Michael Black is correct that it should be no problem installing Linux onto a Mac Mini. If this is your first attempt installing Linux, then you want to be careful installing it to a system you want to keep intact. Just make sure when asked about the bootloader (if a choice is given), then select your external drive and not the internal drive containing OSX. This way your external drive can be easily moved to another UEFI booting system. I've installed Debian on multiple Intel Macs side by side with OSX on an internal drive, as the only OS on the internal drive, and to an external drive which I move from system to system.
The only time I ever had an issue was years ago on one or two 2006 era Intel Macs when I was trying to install a 64bit OS because one or two models only had a 32bit EFI to go with the 64bit CPU. I don't think this is an issue these days as I believe the distros have resolved the issue, but that would be the only difficulty that may exist if your Mac Mini falls into this category.
I don't have access to a 2018 Mini, but unless the hardware requires a driver which isn't in the default kernel of the OS you are installing I don't see a problem after disabling the T2 security as mentioned by Michael Black. If a newer driver is needed, then sooner or later the open source community will provide support as evidenced by the keyboard & trackpad support for the MBPro 2016-2017 laptops being implemented in the next Linux kernel.
Why is not something any user here can answer since we’re not privy to Apple’s decision making. But since Apple makes its own operating system for its own hardware, they really don’t need to support anything else.
But it is possible to make a live Linux disc and boot from it - the Ubuntu forums have detailed instructions. Even with a 2018 Mac Mini, at least after you disable the T2 secure boot feature. If you know Linux and Mac OS, it’s not that much of a chore to create an external, bootable Linux drive for any distro. Tools like UNetbootin help make it easier to first create your live USB drive.
I used to boot CentOS from a live USB install on my MacBook Pro, but I now have dedicated Linux boxes so have not done that with my current 2018 Mac Mini.
Thanks Michael. I used UNetbootin as you suggested and managed to create a Ubuntu server install USB pen drive. From there it was dead easy to create a server on another ssd drive. My 2014 Mac mini has a full time purpose instead of collecting dust and also available as a spare if I have issues my MacBookPro. Thanks for your help one this.
You’re welcome, glad it worked. UNetbootin is a cool little utility. Not something anyone would use a lot, but does the trick when needed.
External Linux Boot drive
