[Jake.c]

Hi,

So in short, to use my netbook in school I have to get a license which means letting them check out my netbook and test the antivirus and make sure it's not a security risk. I want to install the Ubuntu Netbook Remix on my mini so I don't have to deal with having to explain why I have OS X on there to the school. I don't think they'd be too pleased.

I already have Snow Leopard installed running perfectly. When I boot from a USB version of Ubuntu, it offers me the option to "install with the current operating system" (install without overwriting the other OS). I'm sure on my windows machine this would work fine, but is it wishful thinking to think that this might work on my mini (SL 10.6.3 NBI)?

Thanks.

[Shooter]

It's a fairly easy install just make sure to choose the partiton you install Ubuntu in to install grub. That way chameleon remains the active bootloader.

[Turb02]

Can you elaborate on your post shooter? "Just make sure to choose the partiton you install Ubuntu in to install grub" Is there a guide for this somewhere? Im ready to make the step and I don't want to lose my OSX 10.6.6 setup.

[Oscar]

You choose your grub partition under the "Advanced" option. On 10.04, it's on the last page (7 of 7) of the install.

[Turb02]

So, I downloaded remix 10.10 and will have a friend that uses ubuntu format my usb. All I need to do is go in and partition my mini 10v (already running 10.6.6), change bios setting to enable legacy USB support, restart and boot from USB drive. Next would be to install on the second partition? Does the partition need to be "free space" or or a specific format? Is there a specific partition size? I've got about 50gb left but I don't wanna give it all to Ubuntu.

I've scoured this forum for guided instructions on installing Ubuntu after the fact and cannot find a step-by-step guide. I don't wanna screw this up.

[Oscar]

If you have access to a PC, preparing the USB has never been easier. Download this universal file: Universal USB Installer

Run it, point it to your Ubuntu iso, point it to your USB, and it'll do the rest. You're on the right path, the installer will format your partition appropriately, the only other thing is that you usually want to give Linux a small swap partition as well (usually 2x the RAM). You can do that in the installer as well, or run ubuntu from USB first, and use Gparted to do pre-install partitioning.

And, of course, don't forget to specify the Linux partition for grub.

Cheers.

guides:
here's a fairly straight forward guide:
OSX / Ubuntu Linux Dual Boot on Mini 9 Guide
Note that he's using an SSD, that's why his partitions are so small. in your case you have 50 gigs to use: 48 gig OS, 2 gig swap (given 1 gig ram). Also, since you already have OS X installed, you're just following the Ubuntu part.

For further reference, including screen shots:
Allan Kelly : Hackintosh: Triple-boot Dell Mini 1011
This one's a triple boot and again, you wanna concentrate on the Ubuntu part. Also note that he's using a different version of chameleon, so yours will look different, but perform the same task.

Word to the wise: Back up before the install. If you still have your OS X Install USB, keep it handy in the unlikely event chameleon breaks.

GL

[Turb02]

Is it required that I give the Linux all remaining space? I'm running 2gb ram so...that'll need 4gb for swap file partition? Any way to only give Linux like 10-15gb? Only plan on using it to learn but I don't want it only on USB...

[Oscar]

Originally Posted by Turb02

Is it required that I give the Linux all remaining space? I'm running 2gb ram so...that'll need 4gb for swap file partition? Any way to only give Linux like 10-15gb? Only plan on using it to learn but I don't want it only on USB...

You can make the partition whatever size you want. 4 gig good for swap.

[Turb02]

So I made the USB boot drive with no persistence (it said that part was optional) on a windows 7 machine, tried to reboot to the thumb drive but not successful. I didn't have time before I had to lay my son down but if he goes to sleep in the next few minutes, I'll try again.

Edit: will it matter that my current setup only has one partition (osx). Will it allow me to partition a drive that's currently being used?

[Oscar]

Originally Posted by Turb02

...tried to reboot to the thumb drive but not successful.

Edit: will it matter that my current setup only has one partition (osx). Will it allow me to partition a drive that's currently being used?

Remember you may need to use F12 to get into the bios Boot Order to boot from USB.

Though not entirely obvious, you can shrink the OS X partition using Disk Utility: highlight the drive by clicking it, click the partition tab. you can drag the bottom right corner of the partition to the desired size, and along the bottom click the "+" (plus), button to add a new partition on the free space.

You can also shrink the partition within Ubuntu using Gparted; or maybe even within the installer.