Quest for Linux on a MacBook 2017: A Feat in Vain?

The desire to run Linux on a MacBook is a common topic among tech enthusiasts and system administrators. However, the vast majority of users should be aware that such a quest is predominantly futile. This article aims to elucidate the challenges and practical aspects of attempting to install any flavor of Linux on a MacBook 12” 2017, and why it is often a waste of effort.

Why Installing Linux is Infeasible on a MacBook 12” 2017

Apple's macOS, a certified UNIX operating system, precludes the seamless installation and operation of Linux on its devices. This compatibility issue stems from fundamental differences between macOS and Linux. macOS is designed to run both macOS and UNIX apps, whereas Linux, while a certified UNIX, presents security and technical challenges on Apple's secure devices.

Techniques and Limitations of Installing Linux

Despite the challenges, some mention of how to attempt the installation can be found. It is important to note, however, that these methods are not recommended for the average user. The most discussed and cited method often involves creating a bootable USB drive and attempting to boot from it. Here's a break-down of the process, solely for educational purposes:

Steps to Install Linux on a MacBook via a Bootable USB Drive

Shutdown your Mac: Before proceeding, ensure your MacBook is powered off.

Create a bootable USB drive: Utilize a tool like RUFUS or UNetbootin to create a bootable USB drive with the desired Linux distribution.

Insert USB Drive and Boot: Connect the USB drive to your MacBook. While turning it on, hold down the Option (?) key. This will bring up the startup manager, allowing you to select the bootable USB drive.

Install Linux: Once the USB drive is selected, you will enter the GRUB menu. From here, select 'Install' to start the installation process. If your installation comes with additional options like 'Try Without Installing', it is recommended to opt for the installation to avoid potential data loss.

Partitioning: The installation wizard will ask you to select the installation type. Choose 'Something else' to manually select the partition for your new Linux OS. This step is crucial to avoid overwriting your existing macOS installation.

Selecting the Partition: Choose the partition you created earlier (its size should match the partition you made). Click 'Change' to set parameters for your new partition.

File System Configuration: In the 'Use as' dropdown, select 'ext4 journaling file system'. For the 'Mount Point', select 'forward slash (/)'. Confirm your selections by clicking 'OK'.

Continue Installation: Follow the prompts to conclude the installation process.

Complete Setup: The installation will then proceed. Once completed, you will be prompted to restart your MacBook. Hold the Option (?) key during reboot to select your newly installed Linux OS.

Testing and Validation: After installation, meticulously test all applications and functionalities to ensure they are working as expected.

Why It Is a Waste of Effort

While the above steps can be followed, the outcome is often disappointing. Here's why attempting to install Linux on a MacBook 12” 2017 is generally considered a waste of effort:

Security Constraints: Modern MacBooks are designed with robust security protocols. They refuse to boot from non-secure operating systems, including fake digital signatures commonly used by Linux distributions.

Incompatibility: macOS and its underlying UNIX foundation are specifically tailored to support both macOS and UNIX software. Linux, on the other hand, is not certified as a UNIX system, which can lead to compatibility issues.

Limited App Support: While Linux can run UNIX apps, it cannot run Mac proprietary applications, making it less useful in a macOS environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the quest for installing Linux on a MacBook, particularly a MacBook 12” 2017, is largely a futile endeavor. Despite the technical steps involved, the inherent limitations and security constraints make this process infeasible and not recommended for the average user. Instead, consider using a virtual machine or a dual-boot setup if you wish to experiment with different operating systems.