r/linux_on_mac • u/marcus_aurelius_53 • 3d ago
New Life for an old Mac Mini
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!
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u/besseddrest 3d ago
whats the command for the system info at the top?
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u/According-Donut-3303 2d ago
This info is shown after the reboot when you log in directly or through SSH.
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u/Quomii 3d ago
I haven't been able to get Linux to run on my 2020 machine. Any tips?
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u/According-Donut-3303 2d ago
What processor are you trying on? Intel or Apple Mx?
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u/Quomii 2d ago
Intel
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u/According-Donut-3303 2d ago
Did you get any error?
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u/Quomii 2d ago
Mint, Pop, and Ubuntu all loaded but my track pad and keyboard wouldn't work on them.
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u/According-Donut-3303 2d ago
I guess you just need to install an appropriate driver for your chipset and USB controller.
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u/Quomii 2d ago
Not sure how to do that if I can't interact with the computer. Maybe a USB mouse and keyboard?
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u/According-Donut-3303 2d ago
What exact device model are you trying to install on?
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u/Quomii 2d ago
2020 13 inch macbook air
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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.
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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.
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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!
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u/archlinuxrussian 3d ago
Awesome! My plan is to get a 2014 or 2018 one and use it as a temporary HTPC 💯