Revision as of 13:44, 6 June 2012

Mac Mini

• Linux install
• Linux configuration
• Windows install

Boot Installation Process

1. Boot with OS X installation CD. Don't forget to press `"c"` key to boot from CD.
2. On initial screen go to the top bar and choose "HDD Tools"
3. Choose the current HD and select "Partition" tab
4. Select "1 Partition", system type Unix
5. IMPORTANT: Click in "options" and select boot from MBR in order to allow CentOS boots on Mac Mini.
6. Save and reboot
7. Press `"F12"` to eject the OS X CD and insert CentOS DVD
8. Reboot
9. Press `"c"` to boot from DVD
10. Do the installation following instructions on screen
11. When the installation finish, just click on reboot button.
12. Press `"F12"` to eject CentOS DVD to avoid boot again on installation DVD

Boot from USB/PXE

In order to boot using USB drive or PXE is necessary to boot up using an EFI.

DHCP configuration to let the Macmini boot from Linux using NetBoot

ddns-update-style none;
ddns-updates off;
ignore client-updates;
allow booting;
authoritative;

class "AppleNBI-i386" {
  match if substring (option vendor-class-identifier, 0, 14) = "AAPLBSDPC/i386";
  option dhcp-parameter-request-list 1,3,17,43,60;
  if (option dhcp-message-type = 1) { option vendor-class-identifier "AAPLBSDPC/i386"; }
  if (option dhcp-message-type = 1) { option vendor-encapsulated-options 08:04:81:00:00:67; }

  # The Apple Boot Loader binary image.  This file will in turn TFTP the kernel image and extension cache.
  filename "macnbi-i386/booter";

  ## JJM Root FS DMG on HTTP Server:
  # option root-path "http://172.10.0.1/Netboot/NetBootSP0/MacOSX10.4.5.i386.JJM.nbi/NetInstall-Restore.dmg";

  ## JJm Root FS DMG on NFS Server.
  # (Note the placement of the second ":"  This indicates where /var/netboot is mounted on each client.
  # The Resources folder should be in the folder indicated by the :, /nbi in this instance.

  ## NOTE: THIS ROOT PATH IS TOO LONG AND WILL NOT WORK.
  # option root-path "nfs:172.10.0.1:/disk/0/Netboot/NetBootSP0:MacOSX10.4.5.i386.JJM.nbi/NetInstall-Restore.dmg";

  ## NOTE: Try to keep the root path as short as possible.  I copy the DMG files to /nbi and export that folder.
  #option root-path "nfs:172.10.0.1:/nbi:NBI-i386.dmg";

  ## bashlinux path
  option root-path "nfs:172.10.0.1:/nbi:mac-linux.dmg";
}

subnet 172.10.0.0 netmask 255.255.255.0 {
  pool {
    range 172.10.0.100 172.10.0.199;
  }

  default-lease-time 7200; # 2 hours
  max-lease-time 86400; # 1 day

  option domain-name "sub.bashlinux.com";
  option routers 172.10.0.1;
  option subnet-mask 255.255.255.0;
  option domain-name-servers 172.10.0.1;
  option broadcast-address 172.10.0.255;
  option time-offset -18000; # EST
  allow unknown-clients;

Boot

Linux boot process in an Intel Macmini is a bit tricky

CentOS

The `gptsync` tool provided by `refit` packege must be enough in order to boot Linux on an Intel Macmini.

Debian

1. Ensure that partition with `boot` has the boot flag set.

 fdisk /dev/sda
 

1. Install needed packages

 apt-get install gptsync grub-pc
 

1. Install grub in MBR

 gptsync
 grub-install /dev/sda
 update-grub
 

Graphic driver

The default driver installed by CentOS is `"Intel"`, the kickstart scripts change intel to `"i810"`, this will avoid a "Virtual Big Screen" displayed by Intel driver

Graphical environment at boot

Some screens doesn't work at installation time, so it could be useful to add the resolution parameter as kernel parameter on grub as:

  kernel vmlinuz vga=792 

It will provides a 1024x768 framebuffer.

Sound

The sound works fine in the audio output but no the internal audio.

SMC

Apple SMC controls fan speed based on temperature sensors.

CentOS

Build the module in a fresh kernel.

Debian

1. Load the proper modules

 modprobe msr
 modprobe applesmc
 modprobe coretemp
 

1. Add the needed modules to `/etc/modules`

 msr
 applesmc
 coretmp
 

1. Install the needed packages

 apt-get install lm-sensors
 

1. Install scripts from

Installing Windows XP

Additional steps are required in order to install Windows XP on Mac Mini, it requires the following install discs:

• Windows XP Service Pack 2
• Mac OS X 10.5.x

Then, start the procedure as follow.

1. Burn "Windows XP Service Pack 2" image available on eng_share into a CD
2. Put the burned CD in Mac Mini tray
3. Turn on Mac Mini
4. Immediately after hear the chime, press and hold the letter `"c"`
5. Press any key when it prompts to do in order to start installation from CD
6. Follow all on screen instructions
7. When installation is done, put the Mac OS X installation CD on tray, it will start automatically to install all the rest Mac Mini drivers.