This works good for the mid 2011 mac-book air. Just remember to check the box at the initial installation for the extra graphics and WiFi drivers. That was something I forgot the first time and I couldn't get the WiFi working. Had to reinstall again and select it.
Nice, just found this video. That’s the exact old laptop I have. After purchasing a M1 MacBook a few years back this thing is just sitting there doing nothing. This makes me happy. I can’t wait to get home
You sir are awesome! Thank you. I was panicking with the wifi issue and you resolved it for me. Checked the box and reinstalled and I am now online. Thank you so much!
Following your precise instructions, I've, just this moment, installed Ubuntu on an early 2009 iMac (wired keyboard included) I bought yesterday for just €50. It all went well, Thanks!
I also have an early 2009 iMac that I got for free, but I deleted the drive (like apples own guide said) to get rid of the previous owners information but apple has shit down the servers that ran the macOS X Mountain Lion downloads have been shut down, so there is no way to recover the computer. I’m hoping that this method will work
Hey, i tried this tutorial today on my early 2009 iMac too, but i got a black screen after choosing the USB key, the screen went black, and i got a message "error : file boot not found". How did it work for you ? Thanks !
@@MaoYu23 Even if it works, you'll probably find, like I did, that it's still quite slow with heaps of other problems. After a week of struggling, I gave it up altogether, sold my old 2009 for €50, and bought a Late 2013 iMac for €300. I'm running OS Mojave on an external Samsung T5 SSD through the USB3 port. It has 8GB of Ram and is really fast. I have never been happier with a computer. Hope that helps.
@@choomanfoo Thank you so much for your help ! I was contemplating the SSD too on my early 2009, maybe it could help 🤔 And if not, eventually buying a second hand iMac less older 😅
@@MaoYu23 Personally, I would not wish to return to my 2009 iMac. I'm so much enjoying having USB3 ports. I have a 4-way USB hub connected for front access (the SSD is connect directly to a back port) On the front I can plug in my 2TB 2.5" HDD, whenever I wish to download or watch a stored torrented film or series, also my portable DVD player (€18) and my USB3 card-reader. I've never had any of the problems I had with the USB2 ports on the 2009 model. I'm in 7th heaven. BTW, at this moment, I have 14 tabs open.
I have an out-of-date Mac Mini, running 10.5.5, and it's a candidate for a Linux operating system. Thank you for this demo on bringing an old Mac back to life.
Thanks for my first view of the process. For two intense weeks I have in the process of transferring to Linux. Even today, signed up as one of 250 in a class just starting with Jeffrey Peterson, whose site had your link as a post. Great everything about your video. Clear speaking, clear visuals, and looks like success is on it’s way for my transfer after seeing this video. Again. Thanks
I had a difficult time getting Linux on my Mid 2009 imac because it would not connect with etcher due to it not having 10.11 OS. I had to erase the HD and I was able to use a Q4OS disk to direct boot. I love Q4OS and I am glad I was able to get it on my imac. Thanks for the video. Linux for life.
This works perfectly still. I just installed Linux Mint XFCE on an iMac 2010 and it works perfectly! Thanks for the tutorial. I used RUFUS (with default values) instead of balena.
hey, I use my iMac for my studies I browse and open pdfs. should I use it as a second monitor(connecting it to my MacBook Pro) or should I try to install linux so maybe I could do basics coding also??
I did myself on a MacMini 2012 and I am very pleased with Ubuntu 20.04. I can run ANY windows games using my eGPU GTX1060 which wasn't possible to use on MacOS!
@@Tokomak_5 - Yeah, Nvidia did a bit too many strong arm moves with Apple back in the day. Awesome to hear it works with Linux though - I may have to re-approach that idea.
I also have a 2012 Mini, and for god’s sake none of the linux distros go beyond the keyboard layout choice screen of the main installation process. That is where they all freeze without an error message. And yes, the pendrive is fine, tested on other devices to install linux.
On my early-2008 Macbook, Ubuntu 20.04.3 works well. Versions before that (e.g. 18.04 or 20.04.0) worked with many bugs. An older version that worked without bugs was 16.04.1.
Some distro's run great out of the box on old 2009 macbook pro, some might have issues (with the nvidia driver in particular) - most ubuntu based distro's seem to run fine (older version Zorin OS had terrible glitches, same with elementary os). Ubuntu runs fine, Ubuntu Mate runs great, deepin OS ran great on it, now it's running Mint Mate. Generally, on my 2009 15 inch, i need to install the nvidia legacy driver to make the machine play nice with an external monitor. Other than that: runs super smooth, fast, runs all the latest FOS software... Gives these older macs a new lease of life !
Great thanks to you, sir! Now my 2006 Mac Mini 2.1 runs the latest Debian Buster distro. Have to try if Bullseye also runs. Note: The boot source disk has to be EFI format, legacy BIOS won't be recognized at all.
@@user-lg6cu1sf7r Power on your Mac. As soon as you hear the chime, immediately press and hold down the "alt" key. If everything works you should be presented with an array of ( available ) bootable media such as the ( primary ) hard drive, DVD and/or USB flash drive to choose from.
I put Linux Mint on an original Core2 Duo MacBook from 2008. I did the installation to a new SSD. It rocks. Mint, with its MATE desktop on a MacBook is light years ahead of Zorin OS on a Lenovo LS510.
installed linux mint on a 2008 imac (first time i had ever booted from a dvd cause usb boot didn't work). Ran so much smoother on linux than it did with mac os
@@amerjitkang6912 i forget the exact hotkey but you have to hold the apple key down while its powering on with the install media in it and it should boot to the dvd. from there its just a normal install. Just be warned if you use a magic keyboard it probably wont work right out of the box with linux
I tried many distros on my 2014 MacBook Air, many of them installed and ran ok with the wifi and web camera drivers being the most common issue out of the box. The biggest problem I noticed is the lack of power optimisation compared to macOS with all the distros causing my MacBook to run a lot hotter even when doing something simple like streaming online video.
Thanks for mentioning that. I don't think I'll bother anymore ... I have two, and coming up 3 old iMacs that are no longer supported that are great, they have great hardware, great machines ... I really hate Apple for making my computers useless.
@@justgivemethetruth Me to I have a 2013 macbook pro that runs perfectly fine. I'm gonna switch to linux since apple decided to make it a paper weight.
I dare you to try this on min/late 2009's iMac. Essentially the ATI gpu are unsupported. Things get wonky after the install. I can't find a solution, a crappy work-around, but it of course handicaps graphical performance.
My mid 2011 IMac was just deemed obsolete, Apple in 2024 is also killing 2011/12/13/14. I was horrified thinking my great 27" was now a paperweight. Thank you!🥰
the only USB Linux install I was able to get a 2008 iMac to boot up on is with elementary OS which shocked me that computer has been booted up in 4 years or more Apple just sent a code to it that shut it down after I did a slash and burn and install on it and another thing is a if you're saying you're using a Manjaro USB and you need to use g-parted you're going to need a password the password password is Manjaro for a Manjaro USB live install or I think
when I said I think I'm referring to the live install it's there's lots of ways to access that USB there's so many ways to use that little USB thing and then to adjust it to open and accept more changes where you can add files to it allowed it I don't have a reference for that sorry I'll link for that
I have the exact same iMac 2007 and I have installed Ubuntu on it, but there were several challenges I came across, such as the Wi-Fi driver, and the fans weren't working and so on... How to deal with it? Thank you very much for this tutorial, I appreciate it so much.
@@messing-with-computers (Update), Hay, I uninstalled and reinstalled Ubuntu on my iMac 2007 and surprisingly! It worked, and with the all needed drivers like the (Wi-Fi) through a checkbox in the installation process for the third-party hard-drives bla bla... and for the fans, they can be controlled by a software called "mbpfan" here is the link for it --> (ineed.coffee/3838/a-beginners-tutorial-for-mbpfan-under-ubuntu/) Thank you again, and have a good day!
Funny you should mention this Mr.. Gross I'm in the midst of refurbishing a 2007 iMac. Man oh man did they pack value into the hardware of those things it's a shame they're no longer supported. Thank you so much for your video much appreciated my friend
Thanks! I really like the iMac for it's value per $. My favorite is the quad core models released in 2010 and later, but even these older Core 2 models have plenty of power for most common tasks.
@@messing-with-computers so I gave this a run and I was not able to boot from USB the USB drive checks out when I pop it in my Windows computer so any ideas on that all I see is the recovery Drive. I think what is happening is that because when Mac does not have a typical bios it just bypasses my USB drive
@@EddieSlabb - 2 things to check. 1 is if you have a different USB drive, you can try using it to see if it shows up when you hold 'option' (or alt if it is a windows keyboard) on your mac. A few of my USB drives dont work on my mac for booting.. not sure why. The 2nd thing is to try using either 'apple master boot' as the format or FAT as the format.
@@messing-with-computers my man you have done it for me all I needed to do was reformat that hard drive into FAT32 and we seem to be up and running within 15-20 minutes I should have Elementary running on this
Is there a way to do dual install? Have OLD MACOS as well as install Ubuntu on 2011 Mac mini? Also really appreciate the video... If the above option is not available then I may go with completely wiping out the hard drive. Another question, since I have two drives on the Mac mini and I am thinking that it would not wipe the second hard drive, right?
I tried installing lubuntu and after holding option with the bootable usb I saw the bookable drive and selected it but then it said it couldn't find the boot or harddrive and gave an empty black screen with a cursor. I was able to install the OS by booting into disk utility and reformatting the entire hard drive. Then after selecting the bootable my hard-drive was recognized. I hope this helps someone else.
Hey so I followed all the steps but Ubuntu says “no WiFi adapter found” when I try connecting or it doesn’t even show it on the top bar. Please help thanks.
@@AlexRodriguez-go1ht I'm running a mid-2007 and had the same wi-fi issue. Plug it to a LAN and update the device manager under Administration. It will locate the hardware and install the correct package. It worked for me anyway...
Linux Mint XFCE on a MacBookPro (late 2008). Everything works fine! The other option is to install Opencore Legacy patcher and then install MacOS Ventura. Also works perfectly on these old macs!
Thanks, you never get too old to learn just click on your video been wondering if you could put Linux on a Mac computer you video was fast and straight to the point thanks again.
Bought an early 2009 IMac. I've seen a video saying it can run recent IOS. Now that I've seen your video I think I gonna go with linux. Thanx. Best wishes from Panama.
I did this today. I installed Rasberry Pi OS 32 bit which isn’t the best. I’m a Linux noob and I am trying to upgrade to ubuntu but all the usb burning software I find won’t execute. If anyone can help, please do a brother a favour
I have a 27" 2009 iMac that's solely running Linux VMs in Virtualbox and it's overheating the machine. I'm hoping by installing Linux directly, I can save the machine from the recycling bin.
Not always easy. I have an iMac 9,1 2009 with the ATI/AMD Radeon HD4850 Video Card. The video is great while doing the install, the problem is as soon as I boot the installed version the video goes black. Ubuntu is running but nothing can been seen on the screen. I have tried many methods to get video to appear without any luck. I have tried to install proprietary ATI/AMD video drivers without any luck. So now I run the iMac with a secondary monitor and am still searching for a solution. I am new to Ubuntu and really have no idea what is going on with this install. Some terminal commands tell me the correct drivers are installed and running. Wish I could fix this as I like the whole concept of Ubuntu. I have reinstalled the iMac OSX and video is excellent, so, I know it has something to do with Ubuntu or proprietary video drivers. Does anyone have any ideas?
I've tried this with numerous builds and can't see the USB in EFI. That's both on my 2020 macbook air and 2009 imac. Holding down option only shows the current OS, not the USB.
I agree just wipe that Apple hard drive and jump in with Linux Linux the waters warm and you'll be glad you did just be prepared for that steep learning curve and stick with it for that for 6 months
Thanks for making this video, mate. By installing Ubuntu on an old Mac, will this cause any issues in terms of hardware not working properly (e.g. wifi, bluetooth, video, webcam etc.)?
Hi Curtis, Tried this with an old MacBook Pro (Late 2007 - Early 2008) and not sure what format the USB or the new SSD I've put in the Macbook Pro needs to be? Thanks in advance!
Hi Curtis, I was wondering if there's a way to use older iMacs with Ubuntu as displays for modern Macbooks? IIUC this was possible with early 2014 and earlier iMacs with Mac OS, once you connect with a cable and press Command + 2 on the iMac. Can this be done with Ubuntu installed?
I'd just like to interject for a moment. What you're referring to as Linux, is in fact, GNU/Linux, or as I've recently taken to calling it, GNU plus Linux. Linux is not an operating system unto itself, but rather another free component of a fully functioning GNU system made useful by the GNU corelibs, shell utilities and vital system components comprising a full OS as defined by POSIX. Many computer users run a modified version of the GNU system every day, without realizing it. Through a peculiar turn of events, the version of GNU which is widely used today is often called "Linux", and many of its users are not aware that it is basically the GNU system, developed by the GNU Project. There really is a Linux, and these people are using it, but it is just a part of the system they use. Linux is the kernel: the program in the system that allocates the machine's resources to the other programs that you run. The kernel is an essential part of an operating system, but useless by itself; it can only function in the context of a complete operating system. Linux is normally used in combination with the GNU operating system: the whole system is basically GNU with Linux added, or GNU/Linux. All the so-called "Linux" distributions are really distributions of GNU/Linux.
wait before i do this on my mac i might be confused. Can you go back to macos as well or will this turn the computer into ubuntu only. Thanks for the great video!
On my iMac mid2011 neither basic things like my Magic Mouse nor Magic keyboard worked. Tried it several times. Linux mostly seems to need some hacking to work.
Ok you said it will format your hard drive... which means I will lose all my data? Is there a way to dual boot and set this up without having to sacrifice my files & reinstall all my programs?
2 questions for you: 1) can i use a windows pc to create the flash drive? (still with balenaEtcher though) 2) my imac no longer has a working display, but i have a way to hook it to a external monitor. Can I still run through this whole process without the built in display on the imac? (its a 2006 imac)
I had a problem with the Ethernet adapter on my mid 2009 MacBook Pro. Still haven’t found a solution even though I tried downloading external drivers during the installation and post install. I haven’t bothered going back to try again as the WIFI works perfectly.
The only thing that I like is FaceTime. I used to install Ubuntu on my old Mac Mini (2009) since the hardware didn't get any latest update anymore. I probably will do the same for my current device if it still around when the time comes.
Congratulations on the video. I have an iMac a1418 and I installed Ubuntu 22.04 and it runs great. Problem happens when turning off the equipment turns on by itself after 5 seconds. Do you have any solution for this? Thanks
so you can download ubuntu and etcher onto a laptop you currently use and flash the drive without it messing with the computer you do that on? then use the usb on my old macbook?
Good video however when I plug my flash drive into my late 2006 imac it isn't recognised. Tried 2 different flash drives. without any luck or recognition
I've tried to install the latest MacOS on my 2015 iMac using open core legacy patcher but it's slow as molasses. Hopefully Ubuntu will be better. Only negative is non HEIC support for images!!! Aggggggg apple!
Can you believe I’ll be doing this with my 2017 MacBook Air? I literally only got 5 years and they dropped it, along with 2016 and 2015. Planned obsolescence sucks.
I installed on a 2008 iMac, then forgot my password - procedures to boot the Grub menu (as shown in numerous places) did NOT work, so I had to reinstall from scratch with the same bootable memory prepared according to the instructions presented here, only this time - no WiFi. :(
Linux is a program for like a people that pioneer the old west you got to do some skull sweat and and be prepared for a lot of reading and the worst thing is all the acronyms that come flying at you and I have no idea what they are and you just have to read and just keep soaking it in learning curve is a little steep but after about 6 or 8 months you start getting it and it's it's really rewarding and fun so enjoy
I know I still see they have a a boot file in there somewhere that will never go away so I suspect that you're correct they will find ways to continue to keep those back doors open no matter what you do
are there any features that won't work? I've upgraded my GPU (K1000m) and CPU (3.4Ghz Xeon E3-1275) on my 2011 iMac and am not happy with all the hackintoshing to get the sleep, brightness, updates, etc going. I'm not at all invested in Apple ecosystem and AM quite comfortable with linux.
seemed easy enough. My A1311 went to a black screen. I was trying to install Ubuntu bc I couldn't get it to run anything. So, just added another OS to the Nope list. Great video though. TY
Do you not need first to formatting your usb boot stick into extended Mac journal/ or FAT32/ DOS before using etcher? I think it must be extended journal, I tried this method on my win10 pc to create boot stick for Mac but the stick not shows up on my 2012 Mac, so I guess to create a boot stick for mac you must do it on a mac.....
This works good for the mid 2011 mac-book air. Just remember to check the box at the initial installation for the extra graphics and WiFi drivers. That was something I forgot the first time and I couldn't get the WiFi working. Had to reinstall again and select it.
Nice, just found this video. That’s the exact old laptop I have. After purchasing a M1 MacBook a few years back this thing is just sitting there doing nothing. This makes me happy. I can’t wait to get home
You sir are awesome! Thank you. I was panicking with the wifi issue and you resolved it for me. Checked the box and reinstalled and I am now online. Thank you so much!
Following your precise instructions, I've, just this moment, installed Ubuntu on an early 2009 iMac (wired keyboard included) I bought yesterday for just €50. It all went well, Thanks!
I also have an early 2009 iMac that I got for free, but I deleted the drive (like apples own guide said) to get rid of the previous owners information but apple has shit down the servers that ran the macOS X Mountain Lion downloads have been shut down, so there is no way to recover the computer. I’m hoping that this method will work
Hey, i tried this tutorial today on my early 2009 iMac too, but i got a black screen after choosing the USB key, the screen went black, and i got a message "error : file boot not found". How did it work for you ? Thanks !
@@MaoYu23 Even if it works, you'll probably find, like I did, that it's still quite slow with heaps of other problems. After a week of struggling, I gave it up altogether, sold my old 2009 for €50, and bought a Late 2013 iMac for €300. I'm running OS Mojave on an external Samsung T5 SSD through the USB3 port. It has 8GB of Ram and is really fast. I have never been happier with a computer. Hope that helps.
@@choomanfoo Thank you so much for your help ! I was contemplating the SSD too on my early 2009, maybe it could help 🤔 And if not, eventually buying a second hand iMac less older 😅
@@MaoYu23 Personally, I would not wish to return to my 2009 iMac. I'm so much enjoying having USB3 ports. I have a 4-way USB hub connected for front access (the SSD is connect directly to a back port) On the front I can plug in my 2TB 2.5" HDD, whenever I wish to download or watch a stored torrented film or series, also my portable DVD player (€18) and my USB3 card-reader. I've never had any of the problems I had with the USB2 ports on the 2009 model. I'm in 7th heaven. BTW, at this moment, I have 14 tabs open.
Thanks for this. Used this tutorial to install Ubuntu 20.4 on my mid 2010 macbook pro. Works great, use it as my main computer now
I have an out-of-date Mac Mini, running 10.5.5, and it's a candidate for a Linux operating system. Thank you for this demo on bringing an old Mac back to life.
Thanks for my first view of the process. For two intense weeks I have in the process of transferring to Linux. Even today, signed up as one of 250 in a class just starting with Jeffrey Peterson, whose site had your link as a post. Great everything about your video. Clear speaking, clear visuals, and looks like success is on it’s way for my transfer after seeing this video. Again. Thanks
I had a difficult time getting Linux on my Mid 2009 imac because it would not connect with etcher due to it not having 10.11 OS. I had to erase the HD and I was able to use a Q4OS disk to direct boot. I love Q4OS and I am glad I was able to get it on my imac. Thanks for the video. Linux for life.
This works perfectly still. I just installed Linux Mint XFCE on an iMac 2010 and it works perfectly! Thanks for the tutorial. I used RUFUS (with default values) instead of balena.
hey, I use my iMac for my studies I browse and open pdfs. should I use it as a second monitor(connecting it to my MacBook Pro) or should I try to install linux so maybe I could do basics coding also??
I just picked up a 27" iMac. This worked perfectly. Now it's all set up for developing apps!
I did myself on a MacMini 2012 and I am very pleased with Ubuntu 20.04. I can run ANY windows games using my eGPU GTX1060 which wasn't possible to use on MacOS!
Hey now, thats illegal! Haha, nice job! I tried out an eGPU a few years back, glad to hear it works now ;)
@@messing-with-computers Yet, it is working but only under Linux because Apple decided that no Nvidia cards will ever run on their systems!
@@Tokomak_5 - Yeah, Nvidia did a bit too many strong arm moves with Apple back in the day. Awesome to hear it works with Linux though - I may have to re-approach that idea.
I also have a 2012 Mini, and for god’s sake none of the linux distros go beyond the keyboard layout choice screen of the main installation process. That is where they all freeze without an error message. And yes, the pendrive is fine, tested on other devices to install linux.
@@roberttranceedm Sorry to hear you had a bad experience installing Linux on MacMini. Never happened to me.
On my early-2008 Macbook, Ubuntu 20.04.3 works well. Versions before that (e.g. 18.04 or 20.04.0) worked with many bugs. An older version that worked without bugs was 16.04.1.
I've been looking everywhere for a simple and concise way to do this, thank you!!!!!
Thank you a million. I was able to easily install Ubuntu 22.04 LTS on my late 2009 iMac.
Some distro's run great out of the box on old 2009 macbook pro, some might have issues (with the nvidia driver in particular) - most ubuntu based distro's seem to run fine (older version Zorin OS had terrible glitches, same with elementary os). Ubuntu runs fine, Ubuntu Mate runs great, deepin OS ran great on it, now it's running Mint Mate. Generally, on my 2009 15 inch, i need to install the nvidia legacy driver to make the machine play nice with an external monitor. Other than that: runs super smooth, fast, runs all the latest FOS software... Gives these older macs a new lease of life !
Thanks Curtis!! Just followed your steps and installed Ubuntu on Mac Pro as the main OS.
Thanks for helping make the transition easy. Busy installing it now on my late 2009, 27 " imac, as dual boot.
Great thanks to you, sir! Now my 2006 Mac Mini 2.1 runs the latest Debian Buster distro. Have to try if Bullseye also runs. Note: The boot source disk has to be EFI format, legacy BIOS won't be recognized at all.
How do I change the boot source disk to EFI Format? I have a MacBook from 2007
@@user-lg6cu1sf7r Power on your Mac. As soon as you hear the chime, immediately press and hold down the "alt" key. If everything works you should be presented with an array of ( available ) bootable media such as the ( primary ) hard drive, DVD and/or USB flash drive to choose from.
@@Bandicoot803 I did everything in the video and it does not read my USB
Why did I not watch this tutorial earlier.
never thought it would be that easy to install Ubuntu on older macs.
this video is what started my journey into the Linux world. thx
I put Linux Mint on an original Core2 Duo MacBook from 2008. I did the installation to a new SSD. It rocks. Mint, with its MATE desktop on a MacBook is light years ahead of Zorin OS on a Lenovo LS510.
Why did you destroy a perfectly good computer with Mint? ;-)
thank you Patrick Bateman
installed linux mint on a 2008 imac (first time i had ever booted from a dvd cause usb boot didn't work). Ran so much smoother on linux than it did with mac os
Hey. Did you received any problems? my camera microphone and other parts are not working lol.
@@Telekhaos mine worked fine out of the box. Did you do the install while plugged into internet? i find linux obtains drivers much easier that way
What is the process for installing by DVD on iMac (mine is 2010) as I'm thinking of buying a DVD with Linux Mint already on it?
@@amerjitkang6912 i forget the exact hotkey but you have to hold the apple key down while its powering on with the install media in it and it should boot to the dvd. from there its just a normal install. Just be warned if you use a magic keyboard it probably wont work right out of the box with linux
I tried many distros on my 2014 MacBook Air, many of them installed and ran ok with the wifi and web camera drivers being the most common issue out of the box. The biggest problem I noticed is the lack of power optimisation compared to macOS with all the distros causing my MacBook to run a lot hotter even when doing something simple like streaming online video.
Thanks for mentioning that. I don't think I'll bother anymore ... I have two, and coming up 3 old iMacs that are no longer supported that are great, they have great hardware, great machines ... I really hate Apple for making my computers useless.
@@justgivemethetruth Me to I have a 2013 macbook pro that runs perfectly fine. I'm gonna switch to linux since apple decided to make it a paper weight.
Awesome. Thank you Matthew McConaughey!!
I dare you to try this on min/late 2009's iMac. Essentially the ATI gpu are unsupported. Things get wonky after the install. I can't find a solution, a crappy work-around, but it of course handicaps graphical performance.
My mid 2011 IMac was just deemed obsolete, Apple in 2024 is also killing 2011/12/13/14. I was horrified thinking my great 27" was now a paperweight. Thank you!🥰
I have a MacBook from 2008 with Debian it’s super fast (Core2duo, 160 GB HDD and 8GB ram) I believe I revived my old friend.
the only USB Linux install I was able to get a 2008 iMac to boot up on is with elementary OS which shocked me that computer has been booted up in 4 years or more Apple just sent a code to it that shut it down after I did a slash and burn and install on it and another thing is a if you're saying you're using a Manjaro USB and you need to use g-parted you're going to need a password the password password is Manjaro for a Manjaro USB live install or I think
when I said I think I'm referring to the live install it's there's lots of ways to access that USB there's so many ways to use that little USB thing and then to adjust it to open and accept more changes where you can add files to it allowed it I don't have a reference for that sorry I'll link for that
I have the exact same iMac 2007 and I have installed Ubuntu on it, but there were several challenges I came across, such as the Wi-Fi driver, and the fans weren't working and so on... How to deal with it?
Thank you very much for this tutorial, I appreciate it so much.
Hussain. I have my iMac in parts at the moment so I’ll have to test that once it is in one piece.
Curtis Gross Thanks 😊, it’s so much appreciated.
@@messing-with-computers (Update),
Hay, I uninstalled and reinstalled Ubuntu on my iMac 2007 and surprisingly! It worked, and with the all needed drivers like the (Wi-Fi) through a checkbox in the installation process for the third-party hard-drives bla bla... and for the fans, they can be controlled by a software called "mbpfan" here is the link for it --> (ineed.coffee/3838/a-beginners-tutorial-for-mbpfan-under-ubuntu/) Thank you again, and have a good day!
@@hussainalramadan7517 - Awesome! Glad that is resolved, thanks for the update and reference!
Funny you should mention this Mr.. Gross I'm in the midst of refurbishing a 2007 iMac. Man oh man did they pack value into the hardware of those things it's a shame they're no longer supported. Thank you so much for your video much appreciated my friend
Thanks! I really like the iMac for it's value per $. My favorite is the quad core models released in 2010 and later, but even these older Core 2 models have plenty of power for most common tasks.
@@messing-with-computers so I gave this a run and I was not able to boot from USB the USB drive checks out when I pop it in my Windows computer so any ideas on that all I see is the recovery Drive. I think what is happening is that because when Mac does not have a typical bios it just bypasses my USB drive
@@EddieSlabb - 2 things to check. 1 is if you have a different USB drive, you can try using it to see if it shows up when you hold 'option' (or alt if it is a windows keyboard) on your mac. A few of my USB drives dont work on my mac for booting.. not sure why. The 2nd thing is to try using either 'apple master boot' as the format or FAT as the format.
@@messing-with-computers my man you have done it for me all I needed to do was reformat that hard drive into FAT32 and we seem to be up and running within 15-20 minutes I should have Elementary running on this
Is there a way to do dual install? Have OLD MACOS as well as install Ubuntu on 2011 Mac mini?
Also really appreciate the video... If the above option is not available then I may go with completely wiping out the hard drive. Another question, since I have two drives on the Mac mini and I am thinking that it would not wipe the second hard drive, right?
Well done. Doing this right now to a 2009 iMac. Thanks for the video.
I tried installing lubuntu and after holding option with the bootable usb I saw the bookable drive and selected it but then it said it couldn't find the boot or harddrive and gave an empty black screen with a cursor. I was able to install the OS by booting into disk utility and reformatting the entire hard drive. Then after selecting the bootable my hard-drive was recognized. I hope this helps someone else.
If you able to run some sort of linux on Mac Pro 1.1, then you are legend.
Hey so I followed all the steps but Ubuntu says “no WiFi adapter found” when I try connecting or it doesn’t even show it on the top bar. Please help thanks.
Same problem with a iMac 2008, no detect the Wifi adapter.
@@AlexRodriguez-go1ht I'm running a mid-2007 and had the same wi-fi issue. Plug it to a LAN and update the device manager under Administration. It will locate the hardware and install the correct package. It worked for me anyway...
Linux Mint XFCE on a MacBookPro (late 2008). Everything works fine! The other option is to install Opencore Legacy patcher and then install MacOS Ventura. Also works perfectly on these old macs!
Thanks, you never get too old to learn just click on your video been wondering if you could put Linux on a Mac computer you video was fast and straight to the point thanks again.
Bought an early 2009 IMac. I've seen a video saying it can run recent IOS. Now that I've seen your video I think I gonna go with linux. Thanx. Best wishes from Panama.
Did you have any luck? I'm about to buy an early 2009 iMac tonight.
@@choomanfoo Yes. I installed Elementary OS.
Best linux install video I've watched....and I've watched a few 😂 Thanks
I did this today. I installed Rasberry Pi OS 32 bit which isn’t the best. I’m a Linux noob and I am trying to upgrade to ubuntu but all the usb burning software I find won’t execute. If anyone can help, please do a brother a favour
I have a 27" 2009 iMac that's solely running Linux VMs in Virtualbox and it's overheating the machine. I'm hoping by installing Linux directly, I can save the machine from the recycling bin.
Not always easy. I have an iMac 9,1 2009 with the ATI/AMD Radeon HD4850 Video Card. The video is great while doing the install, the problem is as soon as I boot the installed version the video goes black. Ubuntu is running but nothing can been seen on the screen. I have tried many methods to get video to appear without any luck. I have tried to install proprietary ATI/AMD video drivers without any luck. So now I run the iMac with a secondary monitor and am still searching for a solution. I am new to Ubuntu and really have no idea what is going on with this install. Some terminal commands tell me the correct drivers are installed and running. Wish I could fix this as I like the whole concept of Ubuntu. I have reinstalled the iMac OSX and video is excellent, so, I know it has something to do with Ubuntu or proprietary video drivers. Does anyone have any ideas?
I had this problem, the easiest way is to install another distribution like Linux Mint or Manjaro.
I did the same thing on the same hardware but with Mint and like you said it just goes straight on like it was meant to be there all along.
Simple video, thank you for that! Super clear steps :)
I've tried this with numerous builds and can't see the USB in EFI. That's both on my 2020 macbook air and 2009 imac. Holding down option only shows the current OS, not the USB.
Any luck?
Thanks! This worked well for me on my 2010 iMac
Don't you have to create a partition or something like that?
not if you want to use only LINUX on your mac from now on. (means no dual boot)
I agree just wipe that Apple hard drive and jump in with Linux Linux the waters warm and you'll be glad you did just be prepared for that steep learning curve and stick with it for that for 6 months
Thanks for making this video, mate. By installing Ubuntu on an old Mac, will this cause any issues in terms of hardware not working properly (e.g. wifi, bluetooth, video, webcam etc.)?
Jeff Morse cheers
@@Asfgxff what about wireless keyboard
Thanks for the info. Odd question: is their a way to reverse this? To put back Mac, or is this just a one way boot?
That is really useful, I have an iMac from 2006 so I will be giving this a go. Could I use a c/d instead of a usb? Many thanks.
Thanks was about to throw my old IMac away. This is a perfect use for it. Cheers
haha nice i looked up old linux mac and this video came up and works.
Many thanks, much appreciated! Best wishes from Germany
Hi Curtis,
Tried this with an old MacBook Pro (Late 2007 - Early 2008) and not sure what format the USB or the new SSD I've put in the Macbook Pro needs to be?
Thanks in advance!
Thanks so much very helpful!
Hi Curtis, I was wondering if there's a way to use older iMacs with Ubuntu as displays for modern Macbooks? IIUC this was possible with early 2014 and earlier iMacs with Mac OS, once you connect with a cable and press Command + 2 on the iMac. Can this be done with Ubuntu installed?
I'd just like to interject for a moment. What you're referring to as Linux, is in fact, GNU/Linux, or as I've recently taken to calling it, GNU plus Linux. Linux is not an operating system unto itself, but rather another free component of a fully functioning GNU system made useful by the GNU corelibs, shell utilities and vital system components comprising a full OS as defined by POSIX.
Many computer users run a modified version of the GNU system every day, without realizing it. Through a peculiar turn of events, the version of GNU which is widely used today is often called "Linux", and many of its users are not aware that it is basically the GNU system, developed by the GNU Project.
There really is a Linux, and these people are using it, but it is just a part of the system they use. Linux is the kernel: the program in the system that allocates the machine's resources to the other programs that you run. The kernel is an essential part of an operating system, but useless by itself; it can only function in the context of a complete operating system. Linux is normally used in combination with the GNU operating system: the whole system is basically GNU with Linux added, or GNU/Linux. All the so-called "Linux" distributions are really distributions of GNU/Linux.
Bro. I won’t see the bootable USB in the list. Just the recovery and the normal HD. In Refit I see it. But it give error messages
Nice and clear mate, well done.
do you have any advice on doing this with a 2014 iMac with a fusion drive?
Create a install disk for Catalina first, then the risk is low!
Liked it a whole bunch :D
Nice tutorial, really helpful.
wait before i do this on my mac i might be confused. Can you go back to macos as well or will this turn the computer into ubuntu only. Thanks for the great video!
Great video! Thanks a lot! But a question remains: is it possible to revert? After installing Ubuntu, may I reinstall macOS?
On my iMac mid2011 neither basic things like my Magic Mouse nor Magic keyboard worked. Tried it several times. Linux mostly seems to need some hacking to work.
it´s nothing to do with Linux. When you are running a new operating system you need to connect bluetooth devices again.
@@AdeelMuhammad I am not a newby, Adeel. I have an university Master degree Computer Science.
Broooooo I'm currently installing Ubuntu following all your steps. Thanks Fam I really appreciate #Subsribed
did you lose your data?
THANK YOU! Worked great
Ok you said it will format your hard drive... which means I will lose all my data? Is there a way to dual boot and set this up without having to sacrifice my files & reinstall all my programs?
thank you for support
Did it! Piece of cake. Too bad Apple doesn't make it easy to reinstall the OS after a HD dies.
2 questions for you:
1) can i use a windows pc to create the flash drive? (still with balenaEtcher though)
2) my imac no longer has a working display, but i have a way to hook it to a external monitor. Can I still run through this whole process without the built in display on the imac? (its a 2006 imac)
Also I didn't notice until a second viewing but what's the deal with that usb stick? It looks like you could kill a man with that
Eddie Slabb - I’ll be ready when the zombies come.
its not opening
ubantu is taking time
what i have to do
i have also same imac 7,1
pls tell
Hi Curtis. One question: The sound, web cam, etc works perfectly or not? Thanks
Great question - I think the one thing I did not check was the camera. Everything else was working great for me.
I had a problem with the Ethernet adapter on my mid 2009 MacBook Pro. Still haven’t found a solution even though I tried downloading external drivers during the installation and post install.
I haven’t bothered going back to try again as the WIFI works perfectly.
sounds easy! Thank you!
Thank you so much for this priceless video
Thank you Matthew McConaughey.
Can you do the same thing using an SD card as opposed to a thumb drive?
Thanks Fin.
The only thing that I like is FaceTime. I used to install Ubuntu on my old Mac Mini (2009) since the hardware didn't get any latest update anymore. I probably will do the same for my current device if it still around when the time comes.
Congratulations on the video.
I have an iMac a1418 and I installed Ubuntu 22.04 and it runs great.
Problem happens when turning off the equipment turns on by itself after 5 seconds.
Do you have any solution for this?
Thanks
thank you sir. it works on my old mac
so you can download ubuntu and etcher onto a laptop you currently use and flash the drive without it messing with the computer you do that on? then use the usb on my old macbook?
The problem I'm having is the step by step, where you already have all that done to make it easy,
Good video however when I plug my flash drive into my late 2006 imac it isn't recognised. Tried 2 different flash drives. without any luck or recognition
hi, im only a black screen and i press options key and nothing happen, i say what i try install windows and i delete all partitions to MacOS on my ssd
All I did was put an ssd preloaded with an is and it just works. No bootcamp, no drivers (except for audio for some reason) no fuss.
I've tried to install the latest MacOS on my 2015 iMac using open core legacy patcher but it's slow as molasses. Hopefully Ubuntu will be better. Only negative is non HEIC support for images!!! Aggggggg apple!
I could not find that version for balena etcher so could not try this process to see if it would work
Can you believe I’ll be doing this with my 2017 MacBook Air? I literally only got 5 years and they dropped it, along with 2016 and 2015. Planned obsolescence sucks.
Great stuff, thank you!
Would anything to date make an iPAD Gen 2 useful again? It's a shame such a nice tablet is just shut down from use.
I installed on a 2008 iMac, then forgot my password - procedures to boot the Grub menu (as shown in numerous places) did NOT work, so I had to reinstall from scratch with the same bootable memory prepared according to the instructions presented here, only this time - no WiFi. :(
What format should the flashdrive be? What format the Mac drive? And, what type of computer you should use when flashing, Mac or PC, or either?
Linux is a program for like a people that pioneer the old west you got to do some skull sweat and and be prepared for a lot of reading and the worst thing is all the acronyms that come flying at you and I have no idea what they are and you just have to read and just keep soaking it in learning curve is a little steep but after about 6 or 8 months you start getting it and it's it's really rewarding and fun so enjoy
@@democracybacksliding bro maybe this guy is just trying to get his project done and doesn't have 6-8mo of free time to spend doing research
Does this remove all Mac software so they can no longer use their back doors?
I know I still see they have a a boot file in there somewhere that will never go away so I suspect that you're correct they will find ways to continue to keep those back doors open no matter what you do
When i press the usb on the startup screen after all downloads the iMac screen goes black and nothing happens
Is it possibile to install linux with this method on a partition on mac? Thanks a lot for this clear tutorial
are there any features that won't work? I've upgraded my GPU (K1000m) and CPU (3.4Ghz Xeon E3-1275) on my 2011 iMac and am not happy with all the hackintoshing to get the sleep, brightness, updates, etc going. I'm not at all invested in Apple ecosystem and AM quite comfortable with linux.
I didn’t run into any major issues, but I also didn’t use it as my primary operating system. I normally run Linux in a virtual machine.
seemed easy enough. My A1311 went to a black screen. I was trying to install Ubuntu bc I couldn't get it to run anything. So, just added another OS to the Nope list. Great video though. TY
I have a problem
On my iMac late 2009, when I start ubuntu, the screen is split in 4 parts, the interface does not come out well. How can I fix it?
Thanks for this. Question is does it run smoothly?
Do you not need first to formatting your usb boot stick into extended Mac journal/ or FAT32/ DOS before using etcher?
I think it must be extended journal, I tried this method on my win10 pc to create boot stick for Mac but the stick not shows up on my 2012 Mac, so I guess to create a boot stick for mac you must do it on a mac.....