Linux Help

[Guy]

im new to the linux world, and was wondering what version of linux is mac compatable? and wether or not it will work with the new intel based macs, or wether you'le need a G4 powered mac (i have both so it doesnt really bother me)

thanks

[aidanjt]

You can get Linux installed on C2D machines, but it's kinda tough because you need a distro that has elilo, not many do. PowerPC support is much more mainstream in the Linux world.

[directhex]

a large number of distributions work on powerpc architecture (G3, G4, G5), including Ubuntu as an easy option

a large number of distributions work on intel macs with some slight install-time tinkering, including Ubuntu as an easy option. http://bin-false.org/?p=17 explains the extra tinkering for a dual-boot setup. further tinkering is required for tri-boot.

[nvening]

Also Ubuntu is a good distro for beginers (and all tbh)

[directhex]

You can get Linux installed on C2D machines, but it's kinda tough because you need a distro that has elilo, not many do. PowerPC support is much more mainstream in the Linux world.

the problem with elilo is xorg enumerates all availabel display modes using bios calls, and when using elilo, the bios compatability stuff isn't loaded (messing with x, and at any rate preventing use of the binary drivers for nvidia/ati)

using regular lilo with refit or bootcamp behaves much better

/me has a triple-boot mac at work

[abeacock]

If Ubuntu is available for your platform I would go for that.
The install is easier than XP and most things 'just work' without problem.

[Guy]

thanks for the quick replies, il probbabily try out Ubuntu, on my main pc and my mac mini and go from there

[UKMuFFiN]

How come no one likes openSuse?

[directhex]

How come no one likes openSuse?

because 10.1 was junk, and it's generally hellish to administer

[UKMuFFiN]

10.2 is nice though. Fair doos, yast is still a bit slow but its been a lot less hassle installing/setting up and using than ubuntu, 6.06 and 6.10.

[ikonia]

its all personal choice.

Opensuse long period of broken core components, constantly changing views on yast and non-standard techniques such as the boot method make it a love / hate selection.

the "best" distro thread is always tedious as with anything its a.) personal opinion b.) fit for purpose - these two things make the answer change on an individual basis.