Least intrusive way to try Linux on a MBP?

[MacMan988]

I have linux installed in a VM and I'd like to see how it runs natively (is that the right word?) on my MBP.
But I also don't want to tamper and mess too much around Apple's OS bootstrapping stuff.
What would be the best way to try it out?

Thanks!

 

[DarkPremiumCho]

No need to worry too much about the Apple booting stuff. To revert everything, you can just reset the NVRAM and wipe the whole disk and reinstall macOS using a USB drive.

Assuming you are installing Linux as the only OS on the Mac using the whole disk, do the following before the Linux installation:

1. make sure macOS is up to date, since this is the only way to install firmware updates (if there's any).
2. make a full Time Machine backup.
3. use createinstallmedia to create a USB drive for macOS reinstallation.

 

[bogdanw]

"Try Ubuntu before you install it"
"Running Ubuntu directly from either a USB stick or a DVD is a quick and easy way to experience how Ubuntu works for you, and how it works with your hardware. Most importantly, it doesn’t alter your computer’s configuration in any way, and a simple restart without the USB stick or DVD is all that’s needed to restore your machine to its previous state."
https://ubuntu.com/tutorials/try-ubuntu-before-you-install

 

[Spaceboi Scaphandre]

I have linux installed in a VM and I'd like to see how it runs natively (is that the right word?) on my MBP.
But I also don't want to tamper and mess too much around Apple's OS bootstrapping stuff.
What would be the best way to try it out?

Thanks!

Shame you don't have an Apple Silicon Mac otherwise I'd tell you to use Asahi https://asahilinux.org/

 

[bogdanw]

Shame you don't have an Apple Silicon Mac otherwise I'd tell you to use Asahi

“Asahi Linux is still in very early alpha stages.”
There are dozens of stable Linux distributions to run on an Intel Mac.

 

[gank41]

I’ve been using a few different versions of Linux via VMs in Parallels on my M1 MBP, but recently tried installing Asahi Linux and am seriously amazed, like when you could install Windows in BootCamp. There are still some issues actively being addressed, like being able to install Chrome or Chromium along with installing Citrix, among other things. BUT! It’s REALLY fast and runs absolutely great beyond that- for it being in an openly acknowledged alpha state.