Remove OSX and install Arch (antergos)

Goldeneyedawg · May 2, 2016

Hey guys, been using Arch for a number of months on my desktop PC (installed using antergos) and it's been just great.

Bought a second hand Retina macbook pro late 2013 the other day, it came with Mavericks. Basically I've found that I really don't like how restrictive OSX feels from the get go, it feels just like when I used imacs in the 90s and I really hate it.

So what I want to do is remove OSX entirely and install Arch. I just want to know as I'm not familiar with Mac hardware, is it possible to reinstall OSX from a USB on a totally wiped drive if it turns out Arch just doesn't play well with the machine.

I'm not a Linux pro by any means but I've yet to come across a problem with Arch that I was unable to fix with a little help from the wiki. So I'm confident that I'll be able to use it. I say this because whenever I see threads of Arch users asking advice the first thing anyone says is, if you need to ask you shouldn't be using Arch.

So do you guys know of a solid method to remove OSX entirely from the machine in a way that isn't going to break it? Also if it's possible to install OSX again from a USB when the SSD is totally wiped?

And just throwing it in because Mac hardware is confusing me a little, do any of you guys with experience know if grub is going to give me any hassle if OSX is totally gone?

Thanks guys.

Also I'm aware that it prevents updating firmware but I must admit I don't understand why that would be a problem. Also for the late 2013 model and apples planned obselence its probably not as though there will be many future firmware updates ?

skittle · May 2, 2016

As usual check the arch wiki https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/MacBook

McHenryB · May 3, 2016

Goldeneyedawg :

Yes, but you don't even need the USB drive. With that model of Mac you can install OS X directly from the Internet.

I'm interested in your comments about "how restrictive OSX feels from the get go". It's really just another Unix and is as free and versatile as any other Unix-like OS. Also, it is going to play better with your Mac than any other OS will, particularly when it comes to the display.

But I wouldn't want to discourage you from installing Arch - it's a fine OS (although I have only used it on a PC); just be reassured that, should it not work out, reinstalling OS X is a breeze.

Goldeneyedawg · May 3, 2016

Thanks guys.

In response to why I felt it's somewhat restrictive; it's the feeling of not being able to remove certain apps and having to have an apple account which is tied to a bank card if I want to update to a new OS revision. I'm not really on board with Richard Stallman for the most part but even I struggle to see how it's appropriate to need to provide bank details for a free download.

To be honest I'm thinking of just sticking with Mavericks and trying to get used to it while maintaining Linux on my PC. I guess when I properly consider it since I'm going to be using the machine for studying I probably can't risk eventualities with Arch updates breaking the Wifi. I may settle for a dual boot.

Also thanks for letting me know about the Internet reinstall. I didn't realise that was a possibility! I'd probably have done more research if I'd bought it as a new product but I went for the Mac because it was an incredibly good second hand deal.

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