Freeloader Friday Download of the Week

PPC Linux

So, aside from bragging rights, why on Earth would you want Linux running on your Mac? That's easy. GIMP is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Linux design applications. Inkscape (vector drawing) and Scribus (desktop publishing) are just a couple great Open Source creative apps you won't find on the Mac. If you're in web design, you'll find Linux grants you faster, more secure access to your web server.

So, grab a blank disc and roll up your sleeves. Our first step is to download and burn a 'live' CD that will allow you to boot and play with Linux on your Mac without making any modifications to your hard drive.

Now, you won't be able to burn this image with Disk Utility, so you'll need to download FireStarter. Now, grab the Ubuntu PPC Live ISO image from Ubuntu.com. I picked the Ubuntu distribution over Yellow Dog for it's ease of install, active PPC support community and PPC-specific reference.

After booting (hold the "C" key during boot) you'll be able to test-drive Ubuntu on your Mac. From my time spent on the Ubuntu PPC boards, it seems that the only major unsupported Mac component is AirPort Extreme. With a little research from the forums, and a run-through with the live CD you'll get an idea of how well your Mac will run Ubuntu Linux.

If you decide to make the jump to a permanent install, you will have to repartition your drive. Scary, I know. FYI, my screenshots here are using the KDE window environment, rather than the default GNOME.

This episode is not intended to be a complete installation tutorial. The intent here is to give you a quick peak at Linux, and I'd encourage you to do more reading before butchering your Mac.

But before you head out with your installer disks, here are a few freeware utilities you'll want to make the trip smoother:

Ext2 Filesystem

During install you'll be prompted to chose a disk format. If you pick Ext2, you can use this utility to browse the Linux volume.

iPod-Linux Installer

Is you Mac still a little nervous? Send you iPod in first. Install and run Linux on your iPod (hard-drive based only). iPod Linux isn't much different, but can be installed beside the on-board OS and offers a few new features.

I'll be the first to admit this isn't your average instant-download, instant-gratification Freeloader Friday. But I wouldn't spend an episode on something I didn't think was worth taking a look at.

So, if nothing else I hope you're aware that Linux on PPC is easy to try out and worth the trouble to install. If not, then come back next week where we'll see how many Tiger widgets we can fit on our screen.

Brian

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