I can't even install an updated version of GCC with any ease. I mean, I literally cannot do it without paying money legally. I'd have to pirate Xcode 4 just to use something that is FOSS. That's really screwed up, Apple.

I can't wait to abandon this POS Mac and get a real computer.

I am pissed. RANT ON APPLE, RANT, RANT, RANT.

You have a real computer. Install Linux on it have fun.

This is part of my frustration. I can't because the DVD drive broke.

I have tried with a USB stick and a SD card, to no avail.

I WANT TO OBLITERATE OS X.

Really... ? Geezz... cr@pp13 sucks

There is a unetbootin version for MacOS X, may be that works for you.

http://developer.apple.com/programs/

This is outrageous... a guy pays them $99 a year to help promote their OS basically...??!!

http://unetbootin.sourceforge.net/#requirements

OP why do you buy a MAC computer in the first place.
And yes OS X is not open-source
But you know it when you buy a MAC

Alexvader How did you like to become a member of Apple Development Center ?
Just to learn everything about how the software works .
And how to write programs for you're own computer .
That is free of charge .
Been a member for several years now of ADC and yes I have learn a lot about OS X
And Yes if I like to have the RC version of a new OS I have to become a paying member , so I can start thinking how to write programs for the coming OS
And when the OS is there I can try to sell my programs , of course according the Apple standard

I bought it because I thought I would like it. I tend to do a lot of research before doing things, but I made a genuine mistake. One that I regret every time I pick up this thing.

So shoot me. And shoot Apple while you're at it.

Is it possible to boot from the network with your Mac? Then you could try to install over network from a different machine. Doesn't even need to be a Linux machine, I think a Windows machine with Linux in a VM could do the job as server.

Don't have access to another machine.

Disassemble the hard drive from the Mac

Put it in a PC

Install Linux

Put the drive back

Um, Latios... I said I couldn't do that in the post right above yours.

Don't you know any people that have a PC and will let you install Virtualbox or put that harddisk into the machine?

even a cyber coffee would let you do that.
the virtualbox part.