LINUX n00b

[peter grimes]

In about a month I'll be reformatting and restoring the hdd in my iMac. I used to have a boot camp partition for some Windows games, but I'm thinking of trying out Linux instead - I just don't online game like I used to.

So, assuming a TimeMachine restore for the Mac partition, when and how do I go about installing a Linux build? Which builds are well suited for a first timer with a little terminal familiarity but a willingness to follow instructions to the letter?

What size partition would be the minimum to consider? I had 100 gb for Windows 7, but it seemed too small for ciV + Mass Effect 2 + Tropico + Team Fortress.

I'm not expecting Step-by-Step instructions in this thread, links to sites would be nice, or sites to avoid.

Thanks!

 

[Zelig]

Instructions on installing ubuntu on a Mac: http://randomtutor.blogspot.ca/2013/02/installing-ubuntu-1304-on-retina.html

I really, really wouldn't bother though:
1. It's so much more convenient to just run a virtual machine of whatever Linux distro(s) you want.
2. Why do you want to use Linux when you've already got Mac OS? In day-to-day use, Mac OS is basically a desktop Linux for me, but with MS Office and better fonts/UI.

10GB is probably fine, you should be able to expand partitions anyway, particularly if you use a VM.

 

[dutchfire]

What do you want to use your Linux for?

 

[innonimatu]

Which builds are well suited for a first timer with a little terminal familiarity but a willingness to follow instructions to the letter?

Try Linux Mint with the MATE desktop. Here:
http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=134
Ubuntu has gone to crap lately.

What size partition would be the minimum to consider? I had 100 gb for Windows 7, but it seemed too small for ciV + Mass Effect 2 + Tropico + Team Fortress.

I don't know how likely you are to install many such big games in your linux system, though with steam now available it may happen. For a base system, and to leave some room for growth, you should use 15-20GB. If you plan on installing games, add to that the space they'll be needing.

 

[Zelig]

Try Linux Mint with the MATE desktop. Here:
http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=134
Ubuntu has gone to crap lately.

Needs Mac install instructions if not doing a VM though, I found Ubuntu ones quicker with Google, installing Linux on Macs is a bit of a hassle.

Unity has honestly improved a lot since it was first introduced. I really like the thinking behind it, but the Amazon integration by default really turns me off.

 

[illram]

Steam is on Linux but my understanding is the current library of Linux compatible games is small. Is that incorrect?

 

[Zelig]

Yeah, even the Mac OS selection of games on Steam is pretty sad.