[ubuntu-studio-users] Dual System-Startup-Beginner

[Dave at Dalek Zone]

Hi,

I've no experience with Linux on Mac, but - as a general rule - I'd 
advise against trying to install the standard desktop Ubuntu on an 
external USB hard disk. It's likely to be too slow and you'll probably 
have performance issues. Either you should take the trouble to resize 
the partitioning of your internal HD with the Mac OS and then install 
Ubuntu alongside it. Or else you could consider making a live USB of 
Linux with persistent storage. That latter solution is designed and 
optimized to run on a USB stick and works pretty well.

I can't say why your current Linux on the external drive is not working. 
Maybe someone else is more knowledgeable.

---
All best wishes,
Dave

On 2020-06-18 11:45, András wrote:
> Hi,
> 
> I am a Mac user for a few decades now and I am looking for ways to
> escape from that system. On a friend’s recommendation I am now
> investigating Ubuntu Studio 20.04 LTS.
> 
> I am a complete beginner in Ubuntu, so my idea is to set up an Ubuntu
> system on a separate media but for now continue to use Apple’s High
> Sierra (OS 10.13.6) the last compatible OS with my Mac Mini Mid 2011.
> 
> I have found an article on the web about installing dual systems on
> the Mac which I tried to follow. The media which I chose for keeping
> the Ubuntu system is a WD 2 TB external HD USB. For starting I used a
> 32 GB USB Stick.
> To get the downloaded iso file onto the Stick I had to burn it with
> BalenaEtcher. It then started up fine form the Stick. When I had a
> choice to install Ubuntu permanently I chose the 2 TB HD and finished
> the installation there. After playing around and discovering the way
> Ubuntu works I switched back to Mac OS.
> 
> When I wanted to start Ubuntu again the next day from the 2 TB HD, it
> wouldn’t go beyond an initial black screen with text, awaiting some
> command. I never got as far as the Ubuntu logo.
> 
> What am I doing wrong or not doing that impedes the start up of the
> installed system from the HD?
> 
> I’d very much appreciate your help. After the initial joy about the
> new system it’s now total frustration. By the way, I am not a
> programmer or computer geek, as you may have noticed, so I’d
> appreciate some idiot-proof advice. Thanks!
> 
> Regards
> 
> Andy