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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Is it possible to install ubuntu or another linux distro on a 2014 macbook pro? (linux.community)

submitted 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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A friend wants to gift me an old macbook pro he no longer uses. Specs follow:

MacBook Pro, Core i5, 2.8 GHz (I5-4308U), model A1502 (EMC 2875), Retina Mid-2014 13", MacBookPro11,1, RAM 8 GB, VRAM 1.5 GB, Storage 512 GB SSD

Out of principle I don't use anything made by that brand and the only way I see myself using the hardware is if I can nuke the software and install any linux distro, ubuntu is the distro I know best.

Can it be done?

Any drawbacks?

It's a model with a screwed aluminum case, meaning I cannot unplug the battery when I don't need it. How long does it last?

Alternatively, what could I use this notebook for? Is there anything apple does better than linux that deserves I don't nuke it?

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 8 months ago

If it's free gift then yes, Linux will work but with a few compromises. Mainly driver support for Apple's proprietary hardware can be patchy out of the box and need manually fixing. Mainly peripherals like cameras (which may not work at all) and thunderbolt connectors (thunderbolt is supported but can need problem solving and may work better with different distros by default). The WiFi drivers are the classic issue - fixable but obviously painful to do offline.

But if you're paying beware those limitations.

The good thing is it's a Core i5 so you can use any AMD64 distribution and software (rather than the ARM distros needed for the proprietary apple chips; although on a quick search it seems those chips are now well supported by Linux distros).

Best approach may be to find a video/tutorial for your specific machine, and pick a distro they use. I imagine that'd be an Ubuntu derivative just due to shear popularity. But if you're then feeling adventurous you could try and get your preferred distro set up - just may need to know how to fix drivers.

I personally wouldn't stick with Mac OS - it's notorious for slowing down older systems as the focus is on the new. A 10 year old laptop will likely run better with a well set up Linux distro.