New Dubian install is missing many programs..

Lum · 03-12-2022, 09:33 AM

Aside from not finding the AirPort Extreme (802 11g and 802 11n) WiFi, this install of Dubian is missing several command functions

lshw is the latest Discovered missing). Also, every time I try to install a package, the “Authentication Required” window appears - which refuses to accept any passwords to allow me to proceed. Frustration is mounting.

Trying to install packages from the GUI says “ Pending Installation “, and I can’t seem to move that forward.

The hardware is a late 2009 MacBook Pro, model A1278 MB990LLl/A.
Linux 5.10, with an Optimal AirPprt Extreme 802.11 buitin WiFi ability

Can I simply re-install Dubian over this copy to resolve these problems, or should I wipe this HD and start over? Or, is there a better distor I might try that is more compatible with this machine?

LQ496873 · 03-12-2022, 10:02 AM

I haven't tried to install Debian for at least 15 years so things may have moved on!, but I wouldn't expect an Apple WiFi card to work out of the box, or any other WiFi card actually! One of the reasons I didn't use Debian is because nothing seemed to work out of the box! Have you had Debian working on your MacBook in the past?

pan64 · 03-12-2022, 10:20 AM

this is about your wifi: https://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.php?t=326289 (mint should work almost the same way).
you need to install the package lshw if you want to use this command.
you ought to use command line for installing packages (as root)

boughtonp · 03-12-2022, 10:28 AM

Debian works fine where hardware has free/libre drivers available, but can also work fine if you're willing to install proprietary firmware.

There is a MacBook Pro page on the Debian wiki, as well as an Apple page that links to pages for specific 2009 models and has instructions on installing the non-free wifi drivers on them.

However, a Mac-user may prefer the MacOS-like Elementary OS - given its focus, I assume specific effort is made to have that work on Apple hardware.

Lum · 03-13-2022, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boughtonp

De
However, a Mac-user may prefer the MacOS-like Elementary OS - given its focus, I assume specific effort is made to have that work on Apple hardware.

Thankyou Boughton, I'm tugging at the solution threads you recommended regarding acquiring extra packages and installing them BUT

I'm really intrigued by the option to try Elementary. Can you point me to a method for removing the files from my MacBook now, before I move to installing the Elementary files? I'm concerned that the Dubian install may corrupt the effort to install a clean Elementary OS...

Thanks again for your earlier advice...

Regards,
Lum

pan64 · 03-13-2022, 09:16 AM

no, you don't need to remove anything, you can just install another os, that will wipe out the previous one. And it is still debian, there is no dubian at all.