I Need Help-A Problem With Installing Linux Mint On a 2012 MacBook Air

[2112st]

Hey folks...it looks like there is a problem with installing Linux Mint on a 2012 MacBook Air I want to buy...

You need to have an Ethernet connection to get the proper packets to get onto the internet via wi-fi. For me, that's impossible, because my internet connection is through my apartment building's wi-fi. That's how I connect to the internet. I'm watching this video now, where this gentleman talks about that.

What can I do to get around this problem?

 

[phunguss]

You can create a wired connection for local devices by using a router in bridge mode. Basically the router connects to your building's wifi, and provides 1-4 wired connections for your local devices. You can get routers at the local thrift stores for cheap. If the particular model you have does not support bridge mode natively, you could also possibly flash them with DD-WRT, OpenWrt, etc.

This works great for devices that don't have built-in wifi hardware, or devices that prefer a wired connection. I use a router in this mode for my workshop in my garage to connect my CNC machine to the internet (PC without wifi). I also use it in my home office where there is no physical wired connections available for older desktop macs without wifi hardware.

 

[AlpineRaven]

Wifi bridge module - I recommend this white or purple Vonets Wifi Bridge will do the job.
Cheers
AP

 

[Certificate of Excellence]

If you have another Mac, you could use internet sharing and connect a thunderbolt cable between the two or if it’s older, a cat cable to a thunderbolt to Ethernet adapter plugged into the 2012mb - something like that

It’s very likely that Mint doesn’t have the Broadcom WiFi drivers in its installer hence why it’s asking for Ethernet. I’ve run into this on most distros whose foundation is Ubuntu. If you are not set on Mint (which is a fine and very popular distro), you could try one that likely does have your BC WiFi driver in its installer out of the box like MX Linux. MX is known for broad support of early Intel Macs.

Anyhow, good luck

 

[S. Pupp]

The Apple Airport Express can be used in bridge mode, and is cheap (I bought a pack of five for about $50) at shopgoodwill.com. It can be used to transmit music and as a print server.

Setup is complicated by Apple's abandonment of the Airport line of products. Apple Airport Utility works on a PC and MacOS prior to 27, but Apple's website suggests it is not available for iPhone or for MacOS 27, unless you'd installed it previously.

The Vonets devices and routers mentioned above are set up in bridge mode simply through a web browser, and work well. The Airport Express is probably best reserved for if you'd benefit from its other features.

 

[2112st]

Thanks, everyone!

 

[2112st]

If you have another Mac, you could use internet sharing and connect a thunderbolt cable between the two or if it’s older, a cat cable to a thunderbolt to Ethernet adapter plugged into the 2012mb - something like that

It’s very likely that Mint doesn’t have the Broadcom WiFi drivers in its installer hence why it’s asking for Ethernet. I’ve run into this on most distros whose foundation is Ubuntu. If you are not set on Mint (which is a fine and very popular distro), you could try one that likely does have your BC WiFi driver in its installer out of the box like MX Linux. MX is known for broad support of early Intel Macs.

Anyhow, good luck

Hey there!

So, a question-I'm a total Linux newbie. Is MX Linux good for someone like me? That's why I wanted to try Linux Mint. But I just want to use my building's wi-fi to download and install-and if MX Linux can do it, then I'm going for that instead.

 

[Certificate of Excellence]

Hey there!

So, a question-I'm a total Linux newbie. Is MX Linux good for someone like me? That's why I wanted to try Linux Mint. But I just want to use my building's wi-fi to download and install-and if MX Linux can do it, then I'm going for that instead.

I think if you were to tier distros from ease of use, most would rate MX as a mid tier
distro but I have to tell you, I think you would do fine with MX+XFCE out of the box. I think as you’re new to Linux, it’s more important for you to have a good first install experience. It really is a PITA for folks to install and then stuff doesn’t works because your WiFi or sound or touchpad driver wasn’t downloaded because you didn’t have Ethernet. Get a good experience under your belt first and then get comfy with how Linux distros generally get things done. I think that is the best way vs suffering through the sadistic fires of Mordor just to get a functional system/desktop. Here’s a video of an 08 MacBook getting MX installed on it.

Good luck.