How to Run Linux on Mac: 10 Steps (with Pictures)

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How to Run Linux on Mac: 10 Steps (with Pictures)
How to Run Linux on Mac: 10 Steps (with Pictures)
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This tutorial shows you how to install a Linux distribution on your Intel-based Mac without having to format the hard drive or wipe partitions. Let's see together what are the steps to take.

Steps

Run Linux on a Mac Step 1
Run Linux on a Mac Step 1

Step 1. Download the latest version of the Linux distribution of your choice

Use the official website or a safe and reliable source.

Run Linux on a Mac Step 2
Run Linux on a Mac Step 2

Step 2. Log in to the VirtualBox website, then select the download link for the 'VirtualBox' version for OS X hosts

A dialog box will appear where, after selecting the download folder, you will need to press the 'Save' button.

Run Linux on a Mac Step 3
Run Linux on a Mac Step 3

Step 3. After downloading the selected version of 'VirtualBox', proceed to install the software on your Mac

Run Linux on a Mac Step 4
Run Linux on a Mac Step 4

Step 4. Start the 'VirtualBox' program and create a new virtual machine by pressing the 'New' button located in the upper left corner of the program window

Run Linux on a Mac Step 5
Run Linux on a Mac Step 5

Step 5. Name your virtual machine, this will help you remember the operating system it uses

When finished press the 'Next' button.

Run Linux on a Mac Step 6
Run Linux on a Mac Step 6

Step 6. In the next screen, select the operating system that will use the virtual machine, in our case 'Linux', then select the 'ISO' file of the distribution you have chosen

Run Linux on a Mac Step 7
Run Linux on a Mac Step 7

Step 7. Select the 'Startup Hard Drive (Primary Master)' checkbox, then choose the 'Create a new hard drive' item

When finished press the 'Next' button.

Run Linux on a Mac Step 8
Run Linux on a Mac Step 8

Step 8. Select the hard drive type 'Dynamic Expansion'

Run Linux on a Mac Step 9
Run Linux on a Mac Step 9

Step 9. Once the process is complete, start your virtual machine

This will start the operating system installation wizard.

Run Linux on a Mac Step 10
Run Linux on a Mac Step 10

Step 10. To select the 'ISO' image of the Linux distribution you have chosen, select the 'CD-DVD ROM' device, then, at the bottom of the panel, select the 'ISO image file' radio button

To be able to select the ISO file of the image to upload, select the folder icon with a small green arrow. A dialog box will appear allowing you to access the folder on your computer where the ISO file resides.

  • When the process is complete, start the virtual machine to begin the Linux operating system installation process.

    Run Linux on a Mac Step 10Bullet1
    Run Linux on a Mac Step 10Bullet1

Advice

  • You can find additional information on installing VirtualBox at the following link.
  • When you're done using your virtual machine, you don't necessarily need to shut it down every time, just hit the 'Pause' button. In this way you can resume your work session from where you left off with a simple click.
  • How to name a virtual machine: if you want to create a machine that uses 'Ubuntu 8.04' as the operating system, give it a descriptive name, such as 'Ubuntu 8.04' or 'Intrepid Ibex' etc. In this way you will only need a glance to understand which operating system is installed on a particular virtual machine.
  • If you haven't changed the default folder for web downloads on your Mac, the downloaded ISO image file will be stored in the 'Downloads' folder.

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