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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 deleted file mode 100644 index 664233c..0000000 --- a/_posts/2020-08-16-linux-mint-macbook-air.md +++ /dev/null @@ -1,86 +0,0 @@ ---- -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post -title: "Linux Mint MacBook Air Setup" -date: 2020-08-16 ---- - - -I don't like the idea of throwing away old or outdated tech (within reason), so I try to find a new purpose for some of my "retired" devices.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. |