I've been using Linux since around 2019 and normally run Ubuntu on my main computer. I recently got a 2017 MacBook, but it seems unable to update beyond macOS Mojave despite trying several fixes. Since this is my first Apple computer, I'm not very familiar with Mac hardware and I'm unsure how well Linux will work on it. I'm considering Ubuntu, Linux Mint, elementary OS, or possibly another option. The main uses would be browsing away from my desk and running lighter games such as Terraria, so I'd appreciate advice on hardware compatibility, especially Wi-Fi, and recommendations for a beginner-friendly distribution.
2 Answers
Linux Mint has worked well on a 2017 MacBook Air, with the hardware functioning out of the box. It’s probably a good choice if you want something familiar and low-maintenance, while Ubuntu is also a reasonable option if you prefer the same environment as your main computer.
A 2017 MacBook uses an Intel processor, not Apple Silicon, so standard Linux distributions such as Ubuntu should work. When installing Ubuntu or Mint, enable the option to install third-party proprietary software; that usually provides the Broadcom Wi-Fi drivers needed by many Macs. It’s still worth checking the exact model number before installing, since hardware support can vary between MacBook versions.
That’s reassuring. I was mainly worried about the proprietary Wi-Fi hardware, but knowing Mint works without much extra setup makes the choice a lot easier.