You know, that shiny Mac of yours, it ain’t just for Apple stuff. You can get that Linux thing on it too. Yeah, that penguin system. Folks say it’s good.
So, how d’ya do it? Well, they got these things called virtual machines. Like, pretend computers inside your real computer. You get stuff like Parallels, VirtualBox, VMWare Fusion. They let you run Linux alongside your Mac stuff. Kinda like havin’ two houses on the same piece of land.
Now, you gotta get that Linux thing. They call it an “installation image.” Sounds fancy, but it’s just a file. If your Mac’s got that new Apple silicon chip, you need the ARM kind. Look for somethin’ with “aarch64” or “arm64” in the name. If it’s an older Intel Mac, you need the Intel kind. That’s got “x86_64” or “amd64” in the name. Makes sense, right?
So, why would ya wanna do this Linux thing on your Mac? Well, some folks like it cuz you can change it all up. Make it yours. And it’s free, they say. But if you like your Mac stuff the way it is, maybe stick with it. Or you can use those pretend computers, run Linux in there, keep your Mac stuff separate.
And don’t worry, it’s all legal. Ain’t stealin’ nothin’. Linux is open, like a door with no lock. Anyone can use it.
But first, you gotta pick your Linux. There’s different kinds, like different flavors of ice cream. Not like that Windows thing, or your Mac. This Linux has lots of choices.
What you gonna get outta all this? Well, they say you can have two things on your computer. Your Mac stuff, and this Linux thing. Like two sides of a coin.
- First, you gotta choose your Linux. Like pickin’ a dress at the store.
- Then, you get that “installation image” thing. Download it, they say.
- Use that pretend computer thing, the virtual machine.
- Tell the machine where you put that Linux file.
- Follow the instructions, like a recipe.
Now, I ain’t no tech whiz. This stuff sounds complicated to me. But folks say it ain’t so hard. Just gotta follow the steps. Like bakin’ a cake. One thing at a time.
And if you get stuck? Well, ask your grandkids. They know all this computer stuff nowadays. Or find someone smart who can help. Don’t be afraid to ask.
So, there you have it. You can put Linux on your Mac. Just gotta know how. And why. If it sounds like somethin’ you want, give it a try. Nothin’ wrong with learnin’ somethin’ new, even for us old folks.
Tags: Linux, Mac, Virtual Machine, Installation, Operating System