MacTel PlanetCCRMA

Installation instructions for a MacBook Pro

Main steps:

1) Backup your data.

2) Partition your OS X drive.

3) Install boot loader.

4) Install (& update) Linux, first adding boot, Linux, and swap partitions.

5) PlanetCCRMA-lize your Linux.

Acquiring Fedora Media

You can borrow Install DVD's from SysAdmin anytime. You can also download your own to your Mac, by visiting Fedora. You can save a bunch of time and consternation by checking the media integrity right away. Use the following command line to determine the SHA1SUM checksum (takes a few minutes). Compare this output string to the one provided by Fedora [1]. Ignore the verify instructions on that page, they are for Linux, but you can find the checksums here: 'Install DVD/Rescue CD > i386' The checksums strings should match exactly. If not, you've got a corrupt download, and you'll have to try again. This doesn't happen often, but it's worth the extra few minutes.

openssl dgst -sha1 Fedora-9-i386-DVD.iso

Burn it to DVD with Disk Utility: Images > Burn ... Disk Utility can be found here: /Applications/Utilities/Disk Utility

Prep the Mac, Start Fedora Installation

1. Update firmware (run software update or download latest OS from Apple)

2. Plug into power source; connect to internet via Ethernet.

2. Start OS X Disk Utility (Utilities menu): select top hard drive icon, click "Partition" tab.

Here's what it looks like before you do anyting.

You can now reduce the size of your Mac HD partition by selecting the target size of your new smaller partition. I chose a size of 50GB for PlanetCCRMA. You'll need at least 15GB for all PlanetCCRMA packages, plus some extra for your home directories. The choice is up to you. You have two options: Enter the target size (total HD size - 50GB, for me) directly in the field: 'Volume Information > Size' or under 'Volume Scheme' drag the botton right corner of the box up until your desired size shows in: 'Volume Information > Size'. Click "Apply", wait (can take some time).

You can see here the space for your new installation at the bottom of the 'Volume Scheme.'

3. Custom install rEFIt, making sure to select "rEFIt File System Drivers".

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Restart to check rEFIt install (might take 2 reboots, rEFIt screen shows before OSX boot).

4. Start installation of Fedora 8 (32-bit version from DVD -- get from CCRMA sys admin) -- restart and boot from DVD (select Linux penguin as option from rEFIt menu). Note: beware of trackpad sensitivity. This part takes about 30 minutes.

On DVD installer boot: Select first option "Install or upgrade an existing system". Skip disk check. Fedora installation app starts. Choose language and keyboard.