Boot Linux external USB HDD

[Borgward]

How to boot Linux USB HDD on 2006 iMac. OSX 10.6.8. The iMac sees the external drive. The external drive is mac compliant.

 

[Cory Cooper]

Hello,

Are you trying to boot into Linux directly on the iMac from the external drive? If so, that isn't officially/natively supported.

As always, make sure you have a current Time Machine or other backup of your data.

This article may help: How to Boot a Linux Live USB Drive on Your Mac

C

 

[Borgward]

Will look at the link you sent. That is a mattgradient linuxmint for Mac install on the HDD. It is an install, not a live session like that is on a DVD or thumb drive.

Sorry did not mention this is a 2006 White Intel iMac. I believe you can boot from external drive on later Mac's

I have it running on a 2006 MacBook as well. Had to install it on the drive from a Dell Laptop and then put the drive into the MacBook.

I am trying to avoid slogging into the iMac to switch out drives. I would like to be able to boot to OSX 10. something or Linux. Do not want to do a dual boot from one drive.

I suspect it is not possible to boot from an external drive because of the Mac's firmware. I can not boot to an external drive from the MacBook running Linux either.