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
Step 1. Download the latest version of the Linux distribution of your choice
Use the official website or a safe and reliable source.
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.
Step 3. After downloading the selected version of 'VirtualBox', proceed to install the software on your Mac
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
Step 5. Name your virtual machine, this will help you remember the operating system it uses
When finished press the 'Next' button.
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
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.
Step 8. Select the hard drive type 'Dynamic Expansion'
Step 9. Once the process is complete, start your virtual machine
This will start the operating system installation wizard.
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.
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When the process is complete, start the virtual machine to begin the Linux operating system installation process.
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.
