Debian net-install i386 ISO for mac <= a special version of the netinst CD image that is targeted specifically at 32-bit Intel Macintosh machines.Ģ. Here are some links that I have found useful:ġ. I am now using it on my Mac Mini 1,1 as I editing this post. To my relief, the open-source browser Chromium is still available for i386 cpu and it is pretty much identical to Google Chrome from a user perspective. But Google has stopped the support of its Chrome browser for i386 machine. I prefer Xubuntu and thus have chosen the Xfce desktop. Those who prefer Ubuntu could choose the GNOME desktop. There are plenty desktops to choose from including GNOME, Xfce, KDE, Cinnamon, MATE and LXDE. The Debian net-install i386 ISO for mac installs the base Debian linux only and requires internet connection so that it would download other desktop or server components. Thus my Debian 8.7 is installed on an entire SSD without any issue with dual boot problem. In my case, I have replaced the existing HD installed with Mac OS X by a blank unformatted 64GB SSD.

I have now installed Debian 8.7 (pretty up to date) on my MAc Mini 1,1. I thus googled around and found a Debian net-install i386 ISO specially made for mac with one bootloader. Otherwise, the firmware will be confused and the ISO cannot be booted. It says that Mac Mini 1,1 firmware is very choosy - there must be only one bootloader in the ISO.

After failing to install Ubuntu or Xubuntu to my Mac Mini 1,1 (very old hardware version) from a Ubuntu or Xubuntu i386 ISO burnt on a DVD, I have stumbled on a webpage with very useful information.

How to install ubuntu on a mac mini