Is it possible to install Linux to an 2006 iMac using VirtualBox?

[Johnny1068]

Hello. Just wanted to ask this here before I really start trying this. Actually I already tried Virtualbox but ran into some problems (initramfs unpacking failed, kernel panic not syncing no working init found) I wondered if Parallels Desktop might work better or do those error messages already mean that it's not worth it? (There is no free trial on older Parallels which 10.6.8 needs, otherwise I would try it).

So this is my iMac: https://everymac.com/systems/apple/imac/specs/imac-core-2-duo-2.0-17-inch-specs.html

It has 2GB RAM though instead of 1. 160 GB HDD.

I just would like to be to use some newer browsers that 10.6.8. doesn't support.

Does this sound like a hopeless project?

Thanks a lot for any thoughts.

 

[BrianBaughn]

I think there are threads here on getting a working browser in 10.6.8.

You should be able to install Linux directly on the machine and get up-to-date browsing that way. There should be a lot on info on that if you search for "2006 imac linux" on the web.

 

[mortlocli]

Ive the same iMac - a 5,1 with 2 gb of ram.
I recently installed unsupported mavericks osx 10.9 on it and you can install a current firefox.
(though Mavericks is slow at times..I think we really need more than 2 gb of ram.)

Wicknix has done work in here re using linux :

Linux recovery CD or Virtual machine for old Macs.

I created a custom Slax Linux iso for the sole purpose of using it in VirtualBox on Snow Leopard for that occasional website that requires "Chrome" to work properly. Currently posting this from my 1.83ghz mac mini running this live cd. Would also make for a great recovery OS, or if you frequent...

forums.macrumors.com

and a browser:

SpiderWeb browser for Snow Leopard released (32-bit)

Yes, you read that right. Now, just so you are aware, this is based on Basilisk/Borealis code from early 2018, which was probably it's first or second release after it forked from FF52.9/seamonkey. I had been picking at this on and off since then. So, with that said, it's not the latest and...

forums.macrumors.com

..so youve got a few options to try.

 

[Johnny1068]

Ive the same iMac - a 5,1 with 2 gb of ram.
I recently installed unsupported mavericks osx 10.9 on it and you can install a current firefox.
(though Mavericks is slow at times..I think we really need more than 2 gb of ram.)

How did you do this?

Thanks, I will take a look at those links. I tried installing linux with VirtualBox some time ago but it always crashed and I lost interest.

 

[mortlocli]

Do wot ?
install Mavericks?

The Mavericks Thread (OS X 10.9)

OS X 10.9 Mavericks Supported Hardware iMac (Mid 2007 to Mid 2014) Mac mini (Early 2009 to Late 2012) Mac Pro (Early 2008 to Late 2013) Xserve (2009) MacBook Pro (Mid 2007 to Mid 2012) MacBook Pro with Retina Display (Mid 2012 to Mid 2014) MacBook Air (Late 2008 to Early 2014) MacBook (Late...

forums.macrumors.com

 

[mortlocli]

..and I used this:

NexPostFacto for OS X 10.9

parrotgeek.com

Thanks to Heindijs..for locating that...Id misplaced the link - Ha!!

 

[Johnny1068]

Thanks.. how is that different from MacPostFactor? And is 8GB partition really big enough? I'm running out of space here... I should get a 20GB USB to do this.

 

[mortlocli]

I think I tried macpostfactor initially but couldn’t get it to work. May have simply failed to follow the instructions or something.
ive got snow leopard installed on an external SSD drive and it feels very fast.

 

[Johnny1068]

Trying this now with an USB but because I have zero Terminal experience or the last time i have used such things is in 1994 or so, i don't know how to do this...

NexPostFacto for OS X 10.9

parrotgeek.com

(MacPostFactor doesn't work, it gives some strange adfly error and asks to skip ad even though there are no ads...)

So in which folder should I put the Mavericks.app and how to put that in the command line? There should be better instructions on that site for people who know nothing about this stuff..

So does this mean that I should replace the "path" with the path where the app is?

Run: ./oipatch.sh /path/to/Install\ OS\ X\ Mavericks.app /Volumes/USBOrPartitionNameHere

TIA if anyone can spare a few minutes to give some instructions...

 

[mortlocli]

You’ve run into the same issues I had with macpost.. that’s why I used nextpost.. not sure if that’s wot you used.

 

[Johnny1068]

I found a nice tutorial video (by some young boy or girl?) here for the NexPost, even I understood how to do it.

 

[mortlocli]

excellent solution, Johnny...be good to add a positive comment on their youtube..to let them know you appreciate their efforts.

 

[Johnny1068]

I finally wanted to actually try to install 10.9 to this old imac... but the problem is, I can't get to the startup manager no matter how I press the option key and have tried some other tricks but no luck. Strangely I was once able to do it when I just tried if the installer works - but now I can't get there.

Any (safe) ideas how to get there? Would Refind be safe to try?

Thanks

 

[Johnny1068]

I was finally able to install 10.9 to the 2006 iMac.. But now the problem is that it doesn't detect the external display! I found the detect display button but it doesn't do anything. The original iMac display is trash so if I can't get the external display to work, this whole thing is useless. Do you use external display Mortlocli?

 

[mortlocli]

I was finally able to install 10.9 to the 2006 iMac.. But now the problem is that it doesn't detect the external display! I found the detect display button but it doesn't do anything. The original iMac display is trash so if I can't get the external display to work, this whole thing is useless. Do you use external display Mortlocli?

Oops - sorry johnny..I obviously missed this question (of two years back - geez!!).
But no ..didnt have an external display..and still don't.

Hope you found a solution?!

 

[Johnny1068]

Lol.. I don't even remember trying this...

 

[mortlocli]

Lol.. I don't even remember trying this...

You and me both..I was reading it then realised I'd written it. Lol..