I've got a 2011 Mac at home that my dad uses, but it's struggling since it hasn't gotten updates in years. I'm looking to install Linux on it, but I'm not familiar with Linux desktop environments, since I usually use openSUSE on my laptop. I'm considering Lubuntu because I'm prioritizing ease of use. The specs are:
- Processor: 2.5 GHz Intel Core i5
- RAM: 12 GB 1333 MHz DDR3
- Graphics: AMD Radeon HD 6750M 512 MB. Any recommendations on which distro would be the best fit?
5 Answers
Mint is a solid choice! Just make sure you're careful with the BIOS settings and how you boot from the USB. I only installed it on a Mac once, but it's important to get those settings right—otherwise, you might run into issues.
You might run into some WiFi driver issues, especially since your 2011 Mac likely has a Broadcom chip that hasn't been well-supported in newer Linux kernels. I installed openSUSE Tumbleweed on my old 2008 Mac, and while it worked back then, the WiFi was a hassle later on. Just be prepared for that!
Have you thought about Chrome Flex OS? It's designed for older hardware and could give your dad a nice, lightweight experience.
Check out the distro selection page on the wiki for some insights! It's a good starting point. Just remember to back up regularly, experiment in a VM if you can, and take it slow with the commands—double-check them before hitting Enter!
Consider dual-booting it! Shrink the HDD to create space for Linux, and keep the old macOS for any occasional software you might still need. It's nice to have both options available if he's only using it for browsing.
I have a 2009 MacBook Pro, and Linux Mint worked great for me. The driver manager had the right drivers for my WiFi, so you might want to give it a shot!