how to install linux on powermac 5400

lewisdw · 08-16-2005, 09:03 PM

I've inherited a powermac 5400/180 (I'm not at all familiar with Macs), and I would like to install some version of Linux on it. If this is possible, how do I do this? I've done some searches, but can't figure out where to start or what I'll need. Assuming this is all possible, will I be able to use firefox on it? Will the NIC still work (it works on it currently with system 8.6 installed on it, but has a very old version of IE on it, which I thought weird for an apple product).

Any help is appreciated.

jeffk42 · 08-16-2005, 10:43 PM

It shouldn't be much of a problem getting linux on it. But you'll have to decide on a distribution that supports the 32-bit PowerPC architecture. I think most of them do, including Fedora Core.

If you're interested in Fedora Core, here are the installation basics.

Download the 32-bit PPC discs labeled FC4-ppc-discX.iso and have fun.

lewisdw · 08-17-2005, 07:16 AM

Ok. I'm in the process of downloading fedora for the ppc. After I download these ISOs and burn them to cd-r, do I just boot the Mac from cd 1 and follow the prompts, or will it even boot from them?

.ogg on an ipod, at last! (Score:5, Funny)

jeffk42 · 08-17-2005, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by lewisdw
Ok. I'm in the process of downloading fedora for the ppc. After I download these ISOs and burn them to cd-r, do I just boot the Mac from cd 1 and follow the prompts, or will it even boot from them?

.ogg on an ipod, at last! (Score:5, Funny)

Hrmm... I can't remember, to be honest. My last Mac was several years ago. I want to say hold down the 'C' key during boot, while you have the CD in the drive. Could be wrong.

The installation itself is a breeze, especially if you are wiping out the existing OS completely.

Good luck. Keep us posted.

lewisdw · 08-17-2005, 10:19 AM

I will keep you posted. I have a little over 1/3 left to download (torrent) then I will try it. Do you remember if there are any pecularities to running it on the Mac (single button mouse, keyboard, etc.)? As long as I can get to the web from it, which is all I really need it for, and perhaps some sound.

Thanks

Vgui · 08-17-2005, 11:11 AM

Also if you go to linux.org and their Distribution section, you can categorize the distros by PPC architecture. I know you are planning on using Fedora, but it is still good to know.

lewisdw · 08-18-2005, 09:19 PM

I burned the CDs, but the Mac will not boot from them. It goes straight into the Mac OS. I've held down the C key during the boot process, I've turned the power off and back on while holding the C key. How do I get it to boot from the CD instead of the HD?

lewisdw · 08-21-2005, 01:55 PM

Anyone???