<p>Which distribution should I get for my mac laptop? I'm just a beginner and want something easy to run and well-established.</p>
<p>Ubuntu, easy to install, easy to use. </p>
<p>Ubuntu</a> 8.04 LTS (Hardy Heron)</p>
<p>You want "PC (Intel x86) desktop CD"</p>
<p>Or you could try Linux Mint, which is basically ubuntu + cooler artwork and a bit of more user-friendly noob-friendly features :)</p>
<p>100% compatible with Ubuntu in terms of packages and configuration.</p>
<p>Main</a> Page - Linux Mint</p>
<p>You might want to try running a Live CD (or Live USB) before you do an actual install; that will allow you to run the OS on your machine without installing it, which is great if you just want to test things out.</p>
<p>I'll second the recommendation for Ubuntu 8.04 LTS. The installation CD is a LiveCD, so you get to ensure that wireless, sound, etc. works properly before you let the installer touch your hard drive. It will also create dual booting (XP or Vista & Linux) for you, as well as repartitioning (shrinking your Windows partition a bit to make room for itself- without losing anything).</p>
<p>I forgot to mention...I'm not sure if it'll repartition Mac OS. I'd imagine it would. because Mac hardware is popular. But, your milage may vary, try the liveCD. The installer doesn't just install and say "Whoops, I just deleted all your Mac OS programs & documents!", it'll let you choose.</p>
<p>If you're running OS 10.5, Boot Camp should take care of the partition with little trouble.</p>