If you have a Mac but sometimes wish you had the capabilities to run other OS’s on it, a great tutorial shows you how to prepare your Mac to be able to run all three major OS’s from one system.
The triple boot system will work on any Intel-based Mac machine and allow you to run Mac OS X, Windows 7 (64-bit), and Ubuntu 10.0, sweet!
Getting Started with Triple Booting
The tutorial will show you how to build a single Intel-based Mac running Mac OS X, Windows 7 (64-bit), and Ubuntu 10.04. This setup is particularly useful for users who need the flexibility of different operating systems for various tasks. For instance, developers can benefit from the Unix-based environment of Mac OS X and Ubuntu, while gamers and business professionals might prefer the compatibility and software availability of Windows 7.
Before you start though, you will need a Windows 7 DVD, a Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard DVD, and a blank CD or DVD for the Ubuntu install. Additionally, ensure that your Mac has sufficient hard drive space to accommodate all three operating systems. A minimum of 100GB is recommended, with at least 20GB allocated for each OS and the remaining space for shared files and applications.
Step-by-Step Installation Process
The process begins with partitioning your hard drive. Using the Disk Utility in Mac OS X, you can create separate partitions for each operating system. It’s crucial to format these partitions correctly: Mac OS Extended (Journaled) for Mac OS X, NTFS for Windows 7, and ext4 for Ubuntu.
Once the partitions are set, you can proceed with installing Mac OS X on its designated partition. After the installation, use Boot Camp Assistant to install Windows 7. Boot Camp will guide you through the process, including downloading necessary drivers and creating a bootable USB drive if needed.
After successfully installing Windows 7, the next step is to install Ubuntu. Burn the Ubuntu ISO to a blank CD or DVD and boot from it. During the installation, select the partition you created for Ubuntu. The installer will also set up the GRUB bootloader, which will allow you to choose between the three operating systems at startup.
If all goes well, you will soon be able to run Apple’s iLife suite, play Mass Effect 2 under Windows 7, and use some of the best open-source programs on the planet, all from one computer. This setup not only maximizes the utility of your Mac but also provides a versatile computing environment for various needs.
You can find the full tutorial, thanks to Extreme Tech. This comprehensive guide includes detailed instructions, screenshots, and troubleshooting tips to help you through the process. Whether you’re a seasoned tech enthusiast or a beginner, this tutorial will make the complex task of triple booting your Mac straightforward and manageable.
For more information and to access the tutorial, visit the link below:
Via Ubergizmo
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