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How to Boot Ubuntu on a Macbook Using a USB, Part 2

Here is an alternative method to run Ubuntu 10.04 on a Mac without actually installing it on your internal hard disk.

The idea is to install Ubuntu on your USB flash disk, instead of installing it on your internal hard drive. I'm talking about a full disk installation. It won't be treated as a persistent USB, but as a real internal hard disk. For my previous article on the same topic, see Part 1.

Requirements:

Windows PC
Intel based Mac
16GB USB Sandisk Cruzer Blade flash disk
rEFIt
A persistent Ubuntu 10.04 USB

Boot Ubuntu on Your PC

For this method, I'm using a 2.0 GHz Dell Optiplex SX260 with 625mb Ram.ubu.

Insert the persistent USB. Enter setup by pressing F2, F10 or F12 to change your boot settings (the specific key depends on your PC).

BIOS settings menu showing boot priority order and device options.

Choose to boot from the USB HD or USB FDD.

Install Ubuntu

Usually, there's an icon on your desktop to install Ubuntu. If not, go to System > Administration > Install RELEASE.

Old computer monitor displaying a Linux operating system installation screen.

Select Region, Keyboard Settings, Input User Name, etc.

This should be self-explanatory, right? You'll need to unmount all partitions.

Map displaying a location selection interface with highlighted regions and time zone options.

Input your region.

Ubuntu installation screen showing keyboard layout options.

Select your keyboard layout.

Keyboard layout selection interface with a warning message about active partitions.

Unmount partitions.

Partition the Hard Drive

Under "Prepare Disk Space," choose the USB flash (sdb, sdc etc.), and then erase and use the entire hard disk. Note that I used two different USBs so as not to mistake one for the other.

Disk space management interface on a computer screen.

Choose your target USB.

Input your username, host, and password.

Operating system installation screen on a Dell monitor.

Now click "Install".

Installing software on a computer screen.

Wait until it's finished.

Install rEFIt on Mac

Search engine results page displaying various links related to "SEO."

Using your Mac, google and download rEFIt.

Installing rEFInd: Automatic and manual installation instructions on Mac OS X.

Double click the .dmg file and install. Note that rEFIt needs to be blessed so that it can automatically run everytime you boot your Mac.

Computer screen displaying file management interface with various folders and files.

Tip

Activate the program by typing sudo sh /efi/refit/enable.sh on the terminal.

Boot Ubuntu USB on Mac

Now we're ready to run Ubuntu on your Mac. Give it a try!

Just connect to the internet to install additional hardware drivers. Go to: System> Administration> Hardware Drivers.

Note: This will not boot on a regular PC.

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