[TriLUG] Debian on PowerMac G4

[bidwell]

Brian Weaver wrote:
> It seems that hardware failures are sort of forcing me to pull out
> some old hardware that I've never tried to install Linux onto. I have
> an old 686 box that's been running well for a long time with Debian
> Etch, and other versions before Etch. However in the last few months
> I've experience 3 hard drive failures on the solo software RAID that I
> use for the main user data storage. I'm lazy and don't tend to do
> backup but about once per month on average so the RAID has saved my
> bacon quite a few times already. I don't know why the system has been
> eating drives up recently; one drive was brand new and only lasted 2
> months.
> 
> Even though I have the system hooked up to a UPS, I'm thinking it
> might be a power supply problem. I guess I could just be having a run
> of really bad luck; I wish I could get frequent flyer miles for
> Murphy's trips to my house. Because the hardware is fairly ancient and
> I'm beginning to have my doubts about the hardware I thought I would
> "upgrade" to the last remaining spare piece of hardware in my house, a
> PowerMac G4. I'm hoping this will be a short term migration until I
> can figure out what new hardware I should get as a replacement.
> However given the current economic times it may become a long term
> replacement despite my best intentions.
> 
> Has anyone had any luck installing Debian on a G4 or similar hardware?
> I'd like to know what type of pitfalls I'm likely to run into so I can
> get the new system up and running as quickly as possible. I guess I'm
> going with Debian to ease the migration from the existing server, it
> helps that I'm really familiar with the management since that's what
> the old server runs. Also, I use a ubuntu desktop on my work laptop
> which is almost the same to administer.
> 
> Thanks
> 
> -- Weave
> 
I've installed it (Debian) on a G4 Powerbook. It's been a few
years so I don't think I can be too helpful with recalling
details, but it is possible.

Matt