Can I run Linux on a really old MacBook Pro? It runs well after I upgraded the ram and hard drive but it won’t let me update the mac OS anymore. #asknostr
Discussion
Yes. Probably. I have no idea. But yes. I'm pretty sure you can.
Definitely. Try Linux mint cinnamon
I'm running Debian on a decade old MBA. There are a few quirks on most macs, but they work well once set up right. I know the Debian and Arch wikis have good setup guides.
Where there is will there is a way. From what I understand some macbooks are easier than others but you can find tutorials on YouTube.
Do you recommend any specific tutorial or version of Linux? I don’t know anything about it
Have you installed linux on anything before?
What year/model is it?
Nope, I’m going in blind. It’s a 2009 MacBook pro
I personally recommend stock Fedora for beginners. That being said Ubuntu or Linux Mint are also good places to start. My best recommendation is to just do your own research because that will be a big part of your Linux journey. No one can tell you what is right for you so your just going to have to "fuck around and find out" and considering it's a macbook that you're not currently using you don't have anything to lose. Just go for it.
Makes sense, appreciate it
Don't twiddle your thumbs asking strangers on the Internet. Search and get cracking. It's a really old MacBook after all, nothing to lose.
You should have a clear goal though, e.g. I want to run a Bitcoin node, or I want to use this machine to manage my finances, or I want to learn about Linux, etc.
Try running off USB first. It will give you a sense of what it is like. If you want to use Tails, that is actually designed to ALWAYS run off USB, so you never have to install it on the laptop.
The laptop is so outdated that it’s practically useless. I can’t even use a VPN on it because it’s so old 😂
I also wiped it a few months ago and it’s just been collecting dust. I want to use it for studying.