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MacBook Pro 2015. I've used ArchLinux on this with no issues. Used a 2013 MacBook Air before that, same OS (I actually used `ssh | dd` to just copy the image, r

MacBook Pro 2015. I've used ArchLinux on this with no issues. Used a 2013 MacBook Air before that, same OS (I actually used `ssh | dd` to just copy the image, rather than reinstall anything). The MBA needed non-kernel driver (which was a breeze to install anyway). The MBP uses an in-kernel one, so no issue there. It doesn't get more MacBook-like than that. :P

linkmotif 9y ago
shh | dd? How does that work? Please say more.
- mrkrab 9y ago
  I presume, something like... ssh old_mac "dd if=/dev/sda" | dd of=/dev/sda
- lloeki 9y ago
  Boot both machines via usb†, start ssh server on one Depending on where the ssh server is (source or target): dd if=/dev/sda | ssh -C 1.2.3.4 dd of=/dev/sda ssh -C 1.2.3.4 dd if=/dev/sda | dd of=/dev/sda † or mount the source / as ro, or systemd-switchroot to a ramdisk. Just make sure that source / is not getting writes. Or not, if you don't care.
emilecantin 9y ago
Oh man, piping dd through ssh! This brings back a fond memory: I was learning Unix at the time, but never used pipes for anything serious (cat | grep, not much more). I had to clone a machine at my internship; all the Windows guys used some specific tools for that, but this was a Linux box, so their tools wouldn't work. When I had the idea of piping dd through ssh, I thought I was so clever! I was really impressed that it actually worked, too. That's when I realized the power of the Unix philosophy.
bryanlarsen 9y ago
I guess dd is convenient if you want to keep the same partitions, but it's not generally necessary to do an exact bit copy to copy a Linux setup. You can use rsync or cp to copy, and then run update-grub on the target to make it bootable.
fergie 9y ago
Thats a good idea- I do have an old Air kicking around, but it seems a shame to lose a mac in order to gain a Linux. In any case I would like something new and purpose built.
- 8draco8 9y ago
  Macs are unstable and lack of some features under Linux. Read about compatibility before putting any distro on it.
  - LyndsySimon 9y ago
    That's the genius of going with ArchLinux - everything is unstable :)

linkmotif 9y ago

shh | dd? How does that work? Please say more.

mrkrab 9y ago
I presume, something like... ssh old_mac "dd if=/dev/sda" | dd of=/dev/sda
lloeki 9y ago
Boot both machines via usb†, start ssh server on one Depending on where the ssh server is (source or target): dd if=/dev/sda | ssh -C 1.2.3.4 dd of=/dev/sda ssh -C 1.2.3.4 dd if=/dev/sda | dd of=/dev/sda † or mount the source / as ro, or systemd-switchroot to a ramdisk. Just make sure that source / is not getting writes. Or not, if you don't care.

emilecantin 9y ago

Oh man, piping dd through ssh! This brings back a fond memory: I was learning Unix at the time, but never used pipes for anything serious (cat | grep, not much more). I had to clone a machine at my internship; all the Windows guys used some specific tools for that, but this was a Linux box, so their tools wouldn't work. When I had the idea of piping dd through ssh, I thought I was so clever! I was really impressed that it actually worked, too. That's when I realized the power of the Unix philosophy.

bryanlarsen 9y ago

I guess dd is convenient if you want to keep the same partitions, but it's not generally necessary to do an exact bit copy to copy a Linux setup. You can use rsync or cp to copy, and then run update-grub on the target to make it bootable.

fergie 9y ago

Thats a good idea- I do have an old Air kicking around, but it seems a shame to lose a mac in order to gain a Linux. In any case I would like something new and purpose built.

8draco8 9y ago
Macs are unstable and lack of some features under Linux. Read about compatibility before putting any distro on it.
- LyndsySimon 9y ago
  That's the genius of going with ArchLinux - everything is unstable :)