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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 8 months ago* (last edited 8 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] 9 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (2 children)

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?

Considering that it's a 10-year old battery, it would've already degraded significantly, even if it wasn't being actively used. If battery life is important to you, you should first consider getting a replacement battery.

As to how long it'll last, that can only be answered by you as it depends on which distro you're going to use, what DE/apps you'll run, and your actual usage patterns/workload.

Is there anything apple does better than linux that deserves I don't nuke it?

Adobe CC, or multimedia stuff in general. And the fact that you can run MS Office natively. But if you don't care about that, then just nuke it.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago)

I've seen an Apple battery or two puff up at that age. Highly recommend getting that old battery swapped out.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 8 months ago

Battery replacement will also boost your CPU performance, it’s worth spending a bit of money on it.