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User profile for user: allxradu
allxradu Author
User level: Level 1
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LINUX USB install (NOT LIVE) that works on a Mac and PC

I've installed linux on a USB and I can use it on any pc I want. I just change the boot device and I'm in my private linux os with all my stuff. But if I buy a macbook can I use it on a mac, how?


There are planty tutorials how to make a LIVE USB (boots using ram - like a LVIE CD), but nowhere I can find how to but an actuall install of linux from USB on a mac that also works on a PC, is that possible, it's just a key combination or a boot order in bios or is not posible at all?


I never had a mac in my life, forgive me if this is a simple "Just hit F2, stupid!" question.


Again no ISO, no LIVE, I want the install to have my stuff, I don't want to install flash and my stuff everytime I boot.


Thanks in advance.

MacBook Pro, Other OS

Posted on Oct 24, 2012 5:42 AM

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User profile for user: ds store
ds store
User level: Level 7
30,735 points

Posted on Oct 24, 2012 6:39 AM

You can use a Linux Live USB or CD on any PC is because the hardware drivers are freely availalbe.


On Mac's that's just not the case, until later on someone who gives a ratts behind and runs Linux on a Mac, and is a command line guru can get them and publish them for others to use.


Also Mac's have all sorts of other drivers to control the fans, etc., that if one tries to boot off Linux causes issues.


Installing Linux on a Mac is a big no no, unless your a computer science graduate, because Linux installs it's Swap folder into the hidden EFI partition and reformats the Macintosh HD partiiton with OS X on it and other horrors as it's not a generic PC like people think it is.


You can install Linux into a virtual machine like virtualbox, then OS X is still controling the hardware and virtualbox is taking care of the under the hood things


Want to try Linux?, read this

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User profile for user: ds store
ds store
User level: Level 7
30,735 points

Oct 24, 2012 6:39 AM in response to allxradu

You can use a Linux Live USB or CD on any PC is because the hardware drivers are freely availalbe.


On Mac's that's just not the case, until later on someone who gives a ratts behind and runs Linux on a Mac, and is a command line guru can get them and publish them for others to use.


Also Mac's have all sorts of other drivers to control the fans, etc., that if one tries to boot off Linux causes issues.


Installing Linux on a Mac is a big no no, unless your a computer science graduate, because Linux installs it's Swap folder into the hidden EFI partition and reformats the Macintosh HD partiiton with OS X on it and other horrors as it's not a generic PC like people think it is.


You can install Linux into a virtual machine like virtualbox, then OS X is still controling the hardware and virtualbox is taking care of the under the hood things


Want to try Linux?, read this

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LINUX USB install (NOT LIVE) that works on a Mac and PC

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