I installed Ubuntu on my old MacBook Air and I wish I’d done it sooner
I installed Ubuntu on my old MacBook Air and I wish I’d done it sooner
https://www.howtogeek.com/installed-ubuntu-on-my-old-macbook-air-and-i-wish-id-done-it-sooner/
Publish Date: 2026-02-11 10:00:00
Source Domain: www.howtogeek.com
Summary
- Linux boosts performance on old Macs due to its efficiency & lightweight nature compared to newer versions of macOS.
- Ubuntu is free, offers long-term support, and allows deep customization for a tailored experience.
- Installing Ubuntu on a Mac is relatively straightforward, improving speed & functionality without major hiccups.
If you’re eyeing a shiny new Apple Silicon Mac but don’t know what to do with your old one, installing Linux can transform what you thought was obsolete tech into a capable machine.
Why installed Ubuntu on my 2014 MacBook Air
Back in 2014, during my first stint at How-To Geek, I bought a MacBook Air for writing Mac-related articles. It had an Intel Core i5, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD—a fairly powerful workhorse for its time. In 2022, I upgraded to a refurbished M1 Pro MacBook Pro, and the MacBook Air was relegated to a drawer, collecting dust like a forgotten Toy Story character.
Despite its age, however, this Mac still works. Sure, it has a big ding in the bottom right corner from when I accidentally knocked it on the floor. I’ve replaced the battery twice. The hinge is loose, and tightening it is not a fun task. Still, the laptop powers on and it works without fail. The real problem? macOS updates have bogged it down. What was once snappy now feels sluggish; app icons bounce endlessly while applications open, and spinning beach balls are a common occurrence.
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