Linux on MacBook Pro Mid-2010
Hello,
I need to run a security-updated OS on a Mid-2010 MacBook Pro. Unfortunately, Apple no longer supports this hardware, and recent versions of MacOS cannot be installed.
Which version of Linux do you recommend for hardware/functionality compatibility with my machine?
The OS needs to support the drivers necessary for the proper functioning of the computer: keyboard, multitouch trackpad, Wifi/Bluetooth cards, connectivity, etc.
I have never used LINUX, so dealing with command lines makes me a bit nervous.
Thank you
2 answers
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Hello,
You can try this in live-USB (without installing anything). You can move to the installation later if you're convinced.
https://www.linuxmint.com/download.php
Given the age of the machine, I suggest either the XFCE version or the Mate version.
All the instructions to create the live USB installation are here:
https://linuxmint-installation-guide.readthedocs.io/en/latest/
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Hello,
- There are many Linux distributions, and in theory, any of them could work with the reservations below. Personally, I recommend a distribution based on Ubuntu (of which there are several variants). It's user-friendly, well-documented, and you shouldn't have to type commands. In your case, you might consider one of these distributions:
- Ubuntu: according to this page, since your Mac is quite old:
- Linux Mint
- Once you've chosen the distribution, you need to use a recent version suitable for your CPU architecture. For example, for a Mac, your CPU can be x86 or ARM (see here). Therefore, you need to download a version that matches your CPU.
There are many tutorials online that can guide you in detail through the installation. Make sure to back up all the important documents elsewhere before installing. Feel free to come back with your questions if needed.
Good luck
- There are many Linux distributions, and in theory, any of them could work with the reservations below. Personally, I recommend a distribution based on Ubuntu (of which there are several variants). It's user-friendly, well-documented, and you shouldn't have to type commands. In your case, you might consider one of these distributions: