How to Run Linux on a Mac

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Last Updated: March 9, 2024

This article will show you how to install a Linux distro onto your Intel based Mac, without having to reformat your drive, nor erase your partition.

Steps

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   1
   Download the latest version of Linux distro of your choice, from the official website, or any similar source.
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   2
   Go to VirtualBox and download Oracle (Sun) VirtualBox for Mac OS X. At the next page, select Mac OS X again to begin your download.
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   3
   Once you have fully downloaded Oracle (Sun) VirtualBox, install the Oracle (Sun) VirtualBox software.
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   4
   Open VirtualBox and create a new virtual machine by clicking on the "New" button in the top left corner of the Sun VirtualBox window.
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   5
   Add a name to your virtual machine which will help you remember which operating system it is going to run and click 'next.'
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   6
   At the next screen, select Linux as the operating system and the Linux image you are going to use as the version.
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   7
   Select Boot Hard Disk (Primary Master) and select Create new hard disk then click next.
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   8
   Select Dynamically expanding storage size.
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   9
   Once this process is finished, run your virtual machine; this will start the installation wizard.
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    10
    To select the ISO image of the Linux distro that you have downloaded, click on "Cd-DVD ROM Device, as well as Image File on the lower portion of the window. To find your Linux ISO image, click the folder with the green arrow to search for your downloaded image.

    • Once this process is complete, your virtual machine will boot and you may begin to install Linux in the virtual machine.
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Tips

• Naming your virtual machine: if you are going to use Ubuntu 8.04, name your virtual machine something like "Ubuntu 8.04," or "Intrepid Ibex" etc., so you may remember what operating system it will run.
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• Additional VirtualBox installation help can be found at Oracle (Sun) VirtualBox
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• You do not need to shut down the Linux every time you are finished working with it; press the pause button instead which will allow you to jump right back in from where you left off when you paused the machine.
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Warnings

• Insufficient disk space will stop you from installing VirtualBox and Ubuntu.
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Things You'll Need

• An Intel-based MacBook
• At least 8 GB free space on your Hard Drive.
• Access to the internet
• An ISO Image of your selected Linux
• VirtualBox from Sun Microsystems

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