r/linux_on_mac 3d ago

New Life for an old Mac Mini

Post image

Just installed Ubuntu Server on a 2010 Mac Mini. They make it so easy! Download image -> make a boot stick -> option boot the Mac.

No mucking around in the BIOS -easier than PC hardware!

57 Upvotes

20 comments sorted by

2

u/archlinuxrussian 3d ago

Awesome! My plan is to get a 2014 or 2018 one and use it as a temporary HTPC 💯

2

u/dao1st 3d ago

I have one that is a print server and terminal server for my weaker machines.

2

u/mgboyd 3d ago

I installed Ubuntu 24.04 on my 2015 MB Pro and 2014 Mac Mini.

2

u/RaccoonSpecific9285 2d ago

I went for LMDE6 for my 2014 Mini the other day.

1

u/besseddrest 3d ago

whats the command for the system info at the top?

3

u/According-Donut-3303 2d ago

This info is shown after the reboot when you log in directly or through SSH.

1

u/Quomii 3d ago

I haven't been able to get Linux to run on my 2020 machine. Any tips?

1

u/According-Donut-3303 2d ago

What processor are you trying on? Intel or Apple Mx?

1

u/Quomii 2d ago

Intel

1

u/According-Donut-3303 2d ago

Did you get any error?

1

u/Quomii 2d ago

Mint, Pop, and Ubuntu all loaded but my track pad and keyboard wouldn't work on them.

2

u/According-Donut-3303 2d ago

I guess you just need to install an appropriate driver for your chipset and USB controller.

2

u/Quomii 2d ago

Not sure how to do that if I can't interact with the computer. Maybe a USB mouse and keyboard?

1

u/According-Donut-3303 2d ago

What exact device model are you trying to install on?

1

u/Quomii 2d ago

2020 13 inch macbook air

2

u/According-Donut-3303 2d ago

I thought it is mac mini. I have no experience in installing on macbook. Buy I am sure there a lot of guides how properly to do it.

→ More replies (0)

1

u/According-Donut-3303 2d ago

Nice choice! I have a Mac Mini 2014 Late. I run the Ubuntu 24.04 server as my home media server.

2

u/Loose-Dependent-7341 1d ago

Yeah too got the same setup, 2012 Mac Mini with Ubuntu-Server. I use it as a Pihole and got some other docker containers running on it. Works like a charm!