Hi all,
Intro:
I debated posting on an existing thread, but decided to create a new one. I am typing this on a iBook G4 1.33 Ghz with 1.5 GB of ram. This is by far the second most capable PowerPC computer I own. The first is a 2005 2.3. Ghz DP G5. That machine is currently put away because of space issues. That being said, this G4 is amazingly quick and a capable. Currently, I am using 10.5 Leopard (Sorbet) and am using ArcticFox at the moment.
Issue:
I realize this will never be a daily driver nor do I want it to be. I have a modified 2010 Mac Pro with Monterey and Windows 11, a Surface Laptop 5, and MBA M1. Still, it is fun to see what I can do with an old computer. Additionally, I want to use this as an opportunity to learn how to install and use Linux. My first attempt to install Linux was with Void on my G5. I was not successful. While reading up on PowerPC Linux distros I came across MorphOS. Yes, I know that isn't Linux but it sounded interesting. I played around with it last night and it was underwhelming. Perhaps if I needed to run Amiga software, I would find it useful. I was excited by the prospect of using a "modern" browser, Wayfair, but I found it slow and less capable than ArcticFox or InterWebPPC. I don't know what my expectations are for Linux other than using it as a learning experience. In an ideal world I could load a Google Doc or Office 365 in a browser, but I realize that is probably going to be a slow and awful experience regardless. At the end of the day 10.5 really seems like the best all around option despite its age and limitations in the modern world.
Questions:
What version of Linux will work best on this computer? Is it someone friendly for someone doing their first installation? I can't figure out what to chose, Fienix, Debian, Gentoo, BonSlack, ArchPower, MintPPC. Adalie seems to be out of the question until the installer is fixed. Fienix sounds the most interesting to me and appears to have a pretty straight forward installation process.
Can I dual boot 10.5 and Linux? Can I keep the stock 38 GB HDD and dual boot or should I swap it out for a SSD? I have taken apart several G3 iBooks in the past. It is a pain but not an impossible job.
I appreciate your input!
Intro:
I debated posting on an existing thread, but decided to create a new one. I am typing this on a iBook G4 1.33 Ghz with 1.5 GB of ram. This is by far the second most capable PowerPC computer I own. The first is a 2005 2.3. Ghz DP G5. That machine is currently put away because of space issues. That being said, this G4 is amazingly quick and a capable. Currently, I am using 10.5 Leopard (Sorbet) and am using ArcticFox at the moment.
Issue:
I realize this will never be a daily driver nor do I want it to be. I have a modified 2010 Mac Pro with Monterey and Windows 11, a Surface Laptop 5, and MBA M1. Still, it is fun to see what I can do with an old computer. Additionally, I want to use this as an opportunity to learn how to install and use Linux. My first attempt to install Linux was with Void on my G5. I was not successful. While reading up on PowerPC Linux distros I came across MorphOS. Yes, I know that isn't Linux but it sounded interesting. I played around with it last night and it was underwhelming. Perhaps if I needed to run Amiga software, I would find it useful. I was excited by the prospect of using a "modern" browser, Wayfair, but I found it slow and less capable than ArcticFox or InterWebPPC. I don't know what my expectations are for Linux other than using it as a learning experience. In an ideal world I could load a Google Doc or Office 365 in a browser, but I realize that is probably going to be a slow and awful experience regardless. At the end of the day 10.5 really seems like the best all around option despite its age and limitations in the modern world.
Questions:
What version of Linux will work best on this computer? Is it someone friendly for someone doing their first installation? I can't figure out what to chose, Fienix, Debian, Gentoo, BonSlack, ArchPower, MintPPC. Adalie seems to be out of the question until the installer is fixed. Fienix sounds the most interesting to me and appears to have a pretty straight forward installation process.
Can I dual boot 10.5 and Linux? Can I keep the stock 38 GB HDD and dual boot or should I swap it out for a SSD? I have taken apart several G3 iBooks in the past. It is a pain but not an impossible job.
I appreciate your input!
