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diff --git a/_posts/2020-08-16-linux-mint-macbook-air.md b/_posts/2020-08-16-linux-mint-macbook-air.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..664233c --- /dev/null +++ b/_posts/2020-08-16-linux-mint-macbook-air.md @@ -0,0 +1,86 @@ +--- +layout: post +title: "Linux Mint MacBook Air Setup" +date: 2020-08-16 +--- + + +I don't like the idea of throwing away old or outdated tech (within reason), so I try to find a new purpose for some of my "retired" devices. This article will cover how to switch over a mid-2011 model MacBook Air to utilize Linux Mint. + +**Important**: This setup will completely wipe your existing disk and create a fresh install of Linux Mint on the SSD. You have been warned. + +## The Specs + +My old MacBook Air has a pretty decent spec sheet: + +- Processor: **1.7GHz dual-core Intel Core i5** +- Memory: **4GB of 1333MHz DDR3** +- Graphics: **Advanced Intel HD Graphics 3000** +- SSD: **128 GB** + +And let's take a look at the basic system requirements Linux Mint suggests: + +- 2GB RAM +- Dual Core Processor +- 20GB free disk space + +We are looking pretty good! + +## Step 1: Download Linux Mint + +For this setup we will be using the latest, stable version (at this time of writing) of Linux Mint 20 "Ulyana" - Xfce which is 20. You can download the necessary files here: + +- [Linux Mint 20 "Ulyana" - Xfce](https://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=283) [1.8GB] + +## Step 2: Flash Linux Mint to USB Stick + +Next we just need to flash the Linux Mint OS to a USB storage device. If you need to purchase some, you can easily find them on Amazon (affliate link): + +- [Kootion 10 Pack 4GB Flash Drive 4gb USB 2.0 Flash Drives Keychain USB Drive Bulk Thumb Drive Swivel Memory Stick Black](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JB3NXIS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00JB3NXIS&linkCode=as2&tag=uglyduck-20&linkId=494f4c1dd4e21782ecb865bcaa5a526b) + +- Download [Balena Etcher](https://www.balena.io/etcher/) for your current operating system +- Run the installer + +Once installed, open Etcher do the following: + +1. Select your downloaded Linux Mint ISO file +2. Select your USB stick/device as the media +3. Flash media +4. ??? +5. Profit!! + +## Step 3: Boot from USB + +- Make sure your Macbook Air is turned off +- Plug your newly flashed USB stick into the MacBook Air +- Turn on the MacBook Air +- Immediately hold down the **alt/option** button (keep holding until the prompt screen is visible) +- You will be shown drive "icons" - you want to select your USB drive (normally the far right icon) +- Press **Enter** +- Select the first item in the list that appears "Start Linux Mint" + +After this you will boot into a "live session" of the Linux Mint operating system. + +## Step 4: Installing Linux Mint + +Linux Mint makes it very easy for you to install it's OS step-by-step (similar to most other Linux distros). Simply **double-click** on the "Install Linux Mint" CD icon on the main desktop. + +- Choose your language. then hit **Continue** +- Select your preferred keyboard layout, then hit **Continue** +- *Optional*: You might be asked to connect to a WiFi network, if you are set it up now +- I would suggest downloading the multimedia codecs to make things easier, then hit **Continue** +- For installation type, select "Erase disk and install Linux Mint", then hit **Continue** + - WARNING: This will wipe your current drive completely - make sure you are okay with this! +- It will issue you with a warning prompt, simply click **Continue** +- Select your timezone, then hit **Continue** +- Enter your name, a username, a name for your computer, and set a password (you will use this to login moving forward) +- Wait for the installation to complete +- Once complete, you will be prompted to **reboot your system** +- After a reboot you will be prompted to remove the USB device and then press **Enter** +- Welcome to Linux Mint! + +## Conclusion + +Linux Mint is not only a great operating system, but it is also an excellent starting point for newcomers to Linux in general. It's stable enough to be used as a daily driver and popular enough that most minor issues can be solved with a quick internet search. + +Hopefully this inspires others to try "recycling" their older Apple products instead of tossing them away or having them collect dust. |