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How do I install Ubuntu as the only OS on a MacBook?

That is, I'd like to completely remove Mac OS X and install Ubuntu. I've tried dual-booting, but I've had so much trouble that I prefer to have only Ubuntu installed.

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I'ld make sure you had 100% of the driver stuff worked out before I completely annihilated the OSX install. I never paid the Mac tax, but some folks have some weird driver issues (I answered a question about a driver issue over on SU). – Call me V May 14 '11 at 12:48
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Interesting, I've got dual boot setup, and no problems at all. – vartec May 14 '11 at 12:58

2 Answers

up vote 6 down vote accepted

  • Insert the Ubuntu LiveCD into your Mac and Shutdown. Restart the Mac and hold the Option Key. When prompted select 'Try Ubuntu' .

  • Once the system is booted run Disk Utility from the dash .

  • Select your hard disk and Click on Format Disk .

    enter image description here

  • Now select 'No Partition' . enter image description here

  • Now Install Ubuntu normally .

To Avoid long EFI wait before GRUB
If your Macbook spends 30 seconds with "white screen" before GRUB shows, try booting from your Mac OS X install disc, select language, then click Utilities- Terminal, and enter:

bless --device /dev/disk0s1 --setBoot --legacy

Assuming that the bootloader is on sda1, otherwise /dev/disk0s2 if it's on sda2, etc.

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I've done it like you said. Ubuntu is installed on a MBP3,1 with a CrucialM4 SSD. For Mac OS the boot time was 27s. With Ubuntu single boot it takes 47s! For almost 20 s I have this annoying white screen. Is this normal? Can I deactivate this? – gentmatt Nov 18 '11 at 22:30
@Matt see this wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/… – Alaukik Nov 19 '11 at 13:50
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It is easier to just install Ubuntu from a Live CD across the whole hardrive than setting up dual booting. It should be the first option it gives you when you install from a Live CD. I find rEFIt to be a really nice boot menu for my macbook.

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I've been using rEFIt for a dual-boot, but it doesn't boot Ubuntu anymore. – kunigami May 14 '11 at 12:52
I have rEFIt dual booting OS X 10.6, Ubutu 10.10 & Ubuntu 11.04. It works great. – wildster May 14 '11 at 13:12
Erasing whole hard drive for just installing Mach!! Sounds very dangerous ! – Anwar Aug 2 '12 at 11:04

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