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For Macintosh-compatible computers, what versions of Linux are available?

For PowerPC-equipped computers, two versions of the Linux kernel are available, the so-called "monolithic" PowerPC Linux (PPC Linux) and Mach, from which MkLinux was derived. Most distributions are based on the former. In addition, a Linux port is available for older Macintoshes called Linux/m68k. For a comprehensive list of the latest Linux distributions as well as thorough overviews and discussion forums for each, visit DistroWatch.com.

The following is intended as a brief overview and introduction to several popular distributions of Linux for Macintosh-compatible computers.

PPC Linux

A number of distributions of PPC Linux are being developed by groups of independent programmers. For more information about PPC Linux, visit the penguinppc.org page.

Many commercial and open source PowerPC Linux distributions are available, and though they share similarities, each has its own unique features and tweaks. They fall under the GNU Public License, even though all are commercial products. Search DistroWatch.com for an up-to-date listing of PPC Linux distributions.

For more specific information about several popular PPC Linux distributions, refer to the following web pages:

For a discussion forum about Linux on PPC, visit the comp.os.linux.powerpc newsgroup.

MkLinux

Apple Computer and the Open Group originally developed MkLinux. It is now under the control of an independent group of programmers, though development has slowed nearly to a halt.

A brief history of MkLinux and PPC Linux

Though developed separately, MkLinux and PPC Linux function similarly, and most programs that work on one will function on the other. The main difference between them is the nature of their kernels. MkLinux is based on the Mach microkernel, while PPC Linux is based on a PowerPC port of the standard Linux kernel. However, the microkernel version's server interfaces with the GNU/Linux file system in the same way that PPC Linux's monolithic kernel does, so even this difference is fairly transparent.

Each kernel supports a different set of hardware configurations. MkLinux was originally developed for the first generation Power Macintoshes, so it offers better support for these older models than PPC Linux does. However, PPC Linux supports a broader array of PowerPC-equipped computers, including those that were not designed to run Mac OS, such as Be's BeBox and several server-class PowerPC machines that IBM and Motorola produce.

Linux/m68k

Linux/m68k is a Linux port for a variety of computers that use Motorola's 68k series of processors. Specifically, it was designed with the 68020, 68030, 68040, and 68060 in mind. This includes, but is not limited to, the older Macintosh computers. Other platforms include the Amiga, Atari, and NeXT workstations. For more information, see the Linux/m68k page.

Debian offers a Linux/m68k port of its distribution.

For a discussion forum about Linux/m68k, refer to the newsgroup comp.os.linux.m68k.

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Last modified on July 06, 2009.

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