D&C GLug - Home Page

[ Date Index ] [ Thread Index ] [ <= Previous by date / thread ] [ Next by date / thread => ]

Re: [LUG] Repurposing an old iMac into a Linux m/c

 


> On 7 Feb 2018, at 12:46, Joseph Bennie <jay@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> 
> Hi Mike, 
> 
> Being 32bit EFI is not a show stopper, but i would suggest you use a 32bit build 
> to avoid issues.
> 
> I'l pretty sure the stock iso here will work out of the box.   
> https://cdimage.debian.org/debian-cd/current/i386/iso-cd/debian-9.3.0-i386-netinst.iso
> 
> Also to boot the media (assuming you know about holding the alt key to select the 
> boot image after the chime)  
> 
> if you do have problems start here http://refit.sourceforge.net
> 
> FYI the reason you cant install the 1.4EFI update is you smc/efi is already at 
> better version as needed for the 6,1 hardware configuration. 
> 

Hi Jay

Absolutely Amazing!! the stock ISO you recommended did work out of the box; the 
installation went without a hitch.

I burned the ISO to a cd, inserted into the iMac, selected the appropriate boot 
image and let it rip. Had a few uncomfortable moments when it requested responses, 
but I responded where I new the answer otherwise âleft it blankâ. After approx one 
and half hours I had a working Debian 9 system. To you seasoned Linux enthusiasts 
that probably would have been no surprise, but to me a was a bloody miracle. The 
installer must be comprehensive and smart!, ethernet connected to the BT 
modem/router without any fuss and a USB printer connected through my current Mac 
without any action on my part.

I liked the fact that Debian informed me about missing Broadcom files and where to 
get them. It took a little time for me to find the Broadcom chip spec and to set 
myself up as root so that I could change the sources.list file. After that, loading 
the drivers went smoothly and I had a working wi-fi facility.

After all that I came across the installation manual!

Ny next step is to sort my keyboard selection so I can start to play with my python 
programs.

Many thanks for everyone's replies

Mike
-- 
The Mailing List for the Devon & Cornwall LUG
https://mailman.dclug.org.uk/listinfo/list
FAQ: http://www.dcglug.org.uk/listfaq