eHow Contributor
Linux is unique among operating systems in that it will run on almost any computer architecture -- Windows or Mac. Because it is small and streamlined, it is often employed on older computers that cannot handle more modern operating systems, with their dependence on memory and graphics. When it is installed on a more modern machine, its resulting speed and performance can be quite impressive. Installing Ubuntu (one of the more popular Linux distributions) onto an iMac is a very simple process.
Ubuntu installation CD
Download and install rEFIt (refit.sourceforge.net), a boot manager specifically designed to run on EFI-based Intel iMacs. From the downloads page, select the .dmg file for your Mac. Once it's downloaded, mount the image file and double-click the .mpkg file to install rEFIt. Reboot the iMac.
Insert the Linux installation CD, hold down the "C" key and reboot the computer. The computer will boot to the Linux CD, showing the Linux welcome splash screen. Select "Install Linux from CD."
Select "Install Linux alongside current OS." This starts the hard drive partitioning wizard, which allows you to choose the size of the Linux partition. Choose your size (at least 8GB is recommended) and follow the onscreen instructions to customize your installation.
Reboot the computer when the installation is complete. The rEFIt boot manager starts, allowing you to choose to boot to your Mac OS X or your Linux install.
Insert the Linux installation CD. Reboot the iMac.
Select "Install Linux from CD" from the Linux welcome splash screen.
Select "Reformat drive and install Linux" from the list of available choices. This will erase the drive, reformat it into a Linux-friendly format, and install Linux.
Follow the onscreen instructions to complete and customize the installation. You will need to choose a username, a password, and a location/time zone and keyboard layout.
Remove the CD from the drive when the installation has completed and reboot the computer.
Always back up your data before attempting an OS install. Although it's not likely, partitioning the drive could destroy some data, and replacing the current OS with Linux will destroy all data currently on the drive.
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