Hi all,

I would like to run multiple operating systems on my Mac Mini. I'd like to have the option to choose, say, Ubuntu or standard OSX when I boot my Mac up. Where should I start?

I know you can get Boot Camp to do Windows/OSX but I have a Windows box and am just interested in running another *nix distro. Do I need any special applications or anything? Thanks!

Chris

Hi,

The first question you need to ask yourself: Virtualization or dual-boot.

Virtualization - Fusion (VMWare) or Parallels (Apple) come to mind. Fusion is supposedly the better of the 2 if you want to run a *nix related OS. Possible downside: Both cost money.

Dual-boot - It is possible to dual boot osx and linux on mac-intel hardware. My Mac Pro runs LFS and OS-X in a dual boot configuration. It took a lot of searching and trying before I got it up and running (made an entry about it in the LFS group here at LQ). Things have become a bit easier by now, but it is still a challenge. There's enough help on the internet if you want to try (feed google with dual boot mac mini linux).

Hope this clears things up a bit.

Thanks for the advice. I don't want to virtualize, and I like a challenge...off to the races!

There is a thread at this forum, http://www.123macmini.com in the Bootcamp Topic that should have some answers on dual booting OSX and Linux.


**EDIT**
Well, I realize you said Windows only mini. The forum still may have some help for you on doing it.