Questions From a Paranoid MacBook User In Regards to rEFIt and Debian.

I've been reading this guide:
http://research.naumachiarius.com/articles/macbook-debian.html
It seems pretty easy, but I was just wondering, what's the worse that could happen with me installing it, and how likely is it?
Also, if I do mess up on the Debian installation, it's as simple as inserting the Mac OS X cd, right?
Also, do you recommend Debian or Ubuntu? In terms of hardware working. I want to use Debian, but I'll go for Ubuntu if it's safer.
EMZ=]

 

If you partition your mac correctly, there is no issue when installing another OS along with your OS X.

Many users prefer Debian, but Ubuntu is gaining popularity and you can readily get quick supports via blogs and forums. Debian users would say the same

Ubuntu is more in line of a dual-boot with OS X, in my personal opinion

cheers ...

 

Id go with Ubuntu since Ubuntu is generally more newb friendly. Not saying you are a newb, just easier to get everything together. As long as you back up with Time Machine you shouldnt have a problem. I use rEFIt and it works great.

 

worst case scenario:

insert the mac osx disc, turn off the computer.

turn on the computer, hold down the "c" key to boot from the disc.

reinstall mac osx.

good to go.

 

So there's no possible way that rEFIt could break my EFI, or not install properly so I can't boot?
Yet again, I apologize for being so paranoid, but I'd honestly go crazy if this thing stopped working, and stuff*addicted to computer xD*.
EMZ=]

 

*Bump*.
EMZ=]

 

STKDP:
Does anyone know? If not I'll just join a rEFIt forum(obviously I'll still come to this one too xD).
EMZ=]

 

I tired a similar method to try a tripple boot. Of Mac>Ubuntu> Vista. Unfortunately i could never get all three to work. I you have a Bootcamp partition back it up and using win-clone to. remember if you make nay changes to a OSX partition the Bootcamp partition will not boot.

Let us no how it all works out.

 

Ok is it possible for it to screw up your computer? Yes. Anything can happen. Maybe it caused a lightning to blow up your laptop. Is it likely? No. The install is much easier than unlocking an iPhone or hacking a PSP and those are already extremely newb friendly. rEFIt sit on top of the default bootloader (it actually tries to boot into OSX and then rEFIt kicks in so you can boot into another OS without using rEFIt) so worst comes to worst you just reinstall OSX. I already provided a solution to your paranoia -> Time Machine.

 

Oh, thank you! I thought it was replacing the EFI...
EMZ=P

 

Okay guys, it must be annoying as <your preferred adjective> for me to keep on double posting, but I'd just like to inform all who helped that I am successfully dual-booting between Mac OS X and Ubuntu 8.10. I was going to go for Debian, but the lack of support put me off, but after this, I feel a lot more confident. The Ubuntu site gave clear instructions for MacBook users specifically, and there's not be ONE single problem, literally.
Actually, there was one, the rEFIt install didn't work with the package installer thing, so I had to enable it via command line, but that was it, and it was easy!
Thanks so much everyone, I couldn't of wished for an easier install! If anyone needs any help on this subject, I highly recommend checking out Ubuntu's site, it was very helpful, I didn't even need to ask on their forums .
Yet again, I apologize for making such a big fuss.
Also, if anyone's interested in seeing my Youtube video about it(I recorded me doing it step by step), just PM me .
EMZ=]