Does linux work on Macs?

ibm5_25 · 01-26-2004, 08:20 AM

This may be a stupid question, but because I just burned myself a Damn Small Linux CD (live cd like/based on knoppix), I am wondering if I could pop it in a Macintosh, restart it and have my Linux at school? There might be concerns about violating computer use policy but it's irreverent if I can't use linux on a Mac anyway.
I know that Linux works on various other platforms or flavors of it do but I have never heard of it on a mac. I may just be sheltered!
Any thoughts?

ibm5_25

kasperhans · 01-26-2004, 08:27 AM

there are mac versions of linux ....
the mac os itself is based on darwin or is it spelled darvin? not sure but its the way you want to go :=) have a google search

Ice9 · 01-26-2004, 08:29 AM

http://www.yellowdoglinux.com/
http://www.linux-mandrake.com/
http://www.debian.org/
http://www.gentoo.org/

If you want to download Iso's, go to Linuxiso.org and select PPC as an architecture, you'll have all the links to the Iso's right there.

michaelk · 01-26-2004, 08:31 AM

Sure there are versions of linux for the MAC. How about OS X.

There other versions like Yellow Dog Linux and other versions for the PPC. I'm not sure if there are any liveCD versions.

Nope, versions of linux that are built for an Intel processor i.e PCs are not compatable with Macs.

ibm5_25 · 01-26-2004, 08:40 AM

Thanks I've got it now.

ibm5_25

bocacorazon · 07-27-2004, 01:06 PM

The way I usually start when installing Gentoo on a new computer is:
* boot with Knoppix and let it discover and list all the hardware
* list the modules that knoppix uses
* start the Gentoo installation

Knoppix in my view is the best at hardware detection. Trouble is, it does not work on macs.
How would you suggest going about this descovery process?

I'm thinking YellowDog, find out what HW there is on the particular iMac, and only then start with Gentoo.

Thanks for your input

proudclod · 07-27-2004, 03:13 PM

Just to clarify, OSX is not linux.

It's based on an open source BSD operating system called Darwin, but OSX itself isn't open source - all the graphics, UI stuff etc. is closed source.