Question Imac with wiped drive

[FlexibleMink]

I got an old imac, the harddrive is 100% empty and i dont have the install disk for os, wich system is easiest to install on it for free.. ubuntu, linux, windows i dont care what system i just need it to run.

 

[ss202sl]

When you say you just need it to run, what are you going to do with it? What software? The software you want(or need) to run could determine the OS you need to install.

 

[FlexibleMink]

When you say you just need it to run, what are you going to do with it? What software? The software you want(or need) to run could determine the OS you need to install.

I would like it to run OS but i never worked with it before, so i tried installing windows 10 with iso on a usb, like i do on a normal PC, but the screen is just blue when i start it up, so im kinda lost now..
It want it to work so i can use it at home.

 

[USAFRet]

I don't suppose you have any idea of what the hardware is, do you?

 

[FlexibleMink]

I don't suppose you have any idea of what the hardware is, do you?

I have no idea wich hardware it has, its original so i can try find a model or serial number if it helps

 

[USAFRet]

I have no idea wich hardware it has, its original so i can try find a model or serial number if it helps

Knowing the hardware is critical to knowing what you can install and run.

Some Linux variant would probably be the most generic. But....16 bit, 32bit, 64bit...
"iMac" has been a model line since 1998, on a variety of different platforms.

 

[FlexibleMink]

Knowing the hardware is critical to knowing what you can install and run.

Some Linux variant would probably be the most generic. But....16 bit, 32bit, 64bit...
"iMac" has been a model line since 1998, on a variety of different platforms.

Is there some way i can se what it got then i dont have a useable system?

 

[USAFRet]

Is there some way i can se what it got then i dont have a useable system?

Model number printed on it somewhere? Pictures?

 

[FlexibleMink]

Model number printed on it somewhere? Pictures?

Uploaded a picture to google fotos..
https://photos.app.goo.gl/82C18EhiA2drQHc78

 

[USAFRet]

Uploaded a picture to google fotos..
https://photos.app.goo.gl/82C18EhiA2drQHc78

While some info may be gleaned from that, it is not a "model number"
2.0GHz Intel CPU, random collection of drive sizes...

 

[USAFRet]

I know i aint a model number but there is no where with a model number, i can take a pic of the machine if it can help a little bit?

Might not help, but it can't hurt.

In any case, start with a 32bit Linux.
LinuxMint, for example.
https://www.linuxmint.com/download.php

 

[FlexibleMink]

Might not help, but it can't hurt.

In any case, start with a 32bit Linux.
LinuxMint, for example.
https://www.linuxmint.com/download.php

I try with linux to se if it works..
I found the model Number A1174 and i added some ekstra pictures to the link from before with some ekstra info.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/82C18EhiA2drQHc78

 

[USAFRet]

So...
https://everymac.com/ultimate-mac-lookup/?search_keywords=A1174

iMac "Core Duo" 2.0 20" Specs (Early 2006, MA200LL, iMac4,1, A1174, 2105): EveryMac.com

Technical specifications for the iMac "Core Duo" 2.0 20". Dates sold, processor type, memory info, hard drive details, price and more.

everymac.com

14 year old system. Core Duo, 512GB RAM, 250GB HDD, X1600 GOU (128MB vram).
Your only OS options are whatever Apple OS it came with, or maybe a 32bit Linux.
Win 10 (or 7 or 8) will absolutely NOT work. At all.

Now....what can it be used for?
Maybe it will power up.
Browse some websites. Maybe play a movie.

 

[FlexibleMink]

So...
https://everymac.com/ultimate-mac-lookup/?search_keywords=A1174

iMac "Core Duo" 2.0 20" Specs (Early 2006, MA200LL, iMac4,1, A1174, 2105): EveryMac.com

Technical specifications for the iMac "Core Duo" 2.0 20". Dates sold, processor type, memory info, hard drive details, price and more.

everymac.com

14 year old system. Core Duo, 512GB RAM, 250GB HDD, X1600 GOU (128MB vram).
Your only OS options are whatever Apple OS it came with, or maybe a 32bit Linux.
Win 10 (or 7 or 8) will absolutely NOT work. At all.

Now....what can it be used for?
Maybe it will power up.
Browse some websites. Maybe play a movie.

Then I must try linux, cant find a "free" OS quz i dont know what i would look for..

If it can turn on and use a browser its perfect, i need it in the kitchen to look up recipes.

 

[FlexibleMink]

Now i tried installing Linux on the drive, with the result off a gray, instead of a blue screen..

I think i install it in a wrong way..
I'll take a empty harddrive into a HP machine, boot usb with Linux, installing and move the drive over to the mac and power up..

 

[ex_bubblehead]

Now i tried installing Linux on the drive, with the result off a gray, instead of a blue screen..

I think i install it in a wrong way..
I'll take a empty harddrive into a HP machine, boot usb with Linux, installing and move the drive over to the mac and power up..

Definitely not going to work. The OS installs for the system in which the drive is currently installed and likely will not even try to boot in a foreign system.

 

[FlexibleMink]

Definitely not going to work. The OS installs for the system in which the drive is currently installed and likely will not even try to boot in a foreign system.

Do you know how i can boot my linux usb on the imac then?

 

[ex_bubblehead]

A machine that old may very well require that you locate an older version of your chosen distribution. It's quite possible (read likely) that the newer kernels no longer support your particular hardware.

 

[USAFRet]

Aside from curiosity, is there anything you'd be doing with this old thing that can't be done with a $50 tablet?
"...in the kitchen to look up recipes "

 

[FlexibleMink]

Aside from curiosity, is there anything you'd be doing with this old thing that can't be done with a $50 tablet?
"...in the kitchen to look up recipes "

You got a point, but i had to try with this one, i do not want to trow it out.

 

[FlexibleMink]

A machine that old may very well require that you locate an older version of your chosen distribution. It's quite possible (read likely) that the newer kernels no longer support your particular hardware.

Hmm now it just sound impossible