The PowerPC is a RISC microprocessor architecture
developed by IBM,
Motorola and Apple. The PowerPC architecture allows both
64-bit and 32-bit implementations (the 64-bit implementation includes
the 32-bit implementation). The first PowerPC microprocessor was the
601, a 32-bit implementation released in 1992. Several other 32-bit
implementations have since been released, including the 603, 604, 750
(G3), 7400 (G4) and the PowerQUICC embedded communications
processors. 64-bit implementations include the 620, POWER4, POWER5
and the 970 (G5).
Linux for the PowerPC was first released at the 2.2.x version of the kernel. A key resource for PowerPC Linux development is penguinppc. PowerPC support in the Linux kernel is now developed as part of the `main' Linux kernel at kernel.org. For more information on the PowerPC hardware supported by Linux please refer to the compatibility list.
The Debian PowerPC port began in 1997 at the German Linux Congress in Würzburg. A PowerPC machine (Motorola StarMax 4000, 200 MHz 604e) was donated to the Debian project. Additional information about this computer is available from the history page.
Debian PowerPC port was first officially released with Debian GNU/Linux 2.2 (`potato'). Support for PowerPC is maintained in the release 3.1 (`sarge'). Please see the release notes and installation manual for more information.
Please note that the Sarge release does not currently support 64-bit execution environments when used with 64-bit processors (e.g. a POWER4 or G5). A 64-bit environment is planned for a future release (see discussion on the debian-powerpc mailing list for the latest information).
There are a variety of systems using the PowerPC microprocessor. Check our Installation pages for specific information about installing Debian/PowerPC on your system.
There are some quirks you need to know about when installing on an iBook, TiBook, or iBook2, especially when dual booting with Mac OSX. Some iBook2 hardware, especially on recently introduced models, is not well supported as yet. For specific information on potential problems and solutions, study these web pages:
Debian GNU/Linux does not officially support NuBus PowerPC machines, such as the 6100, 7100, 8100 and most of the Performa series. However, an MkLinux-based kernel is available, which can be launched from a MacOS boot loader. A Debian system can be installed using this kernel, which is available at http://nubus-pmac.sourceforge.net/. There is a Spanish-language explanation of the Debian installation using this kernel.
When upgrading from Potato to Woody or upgrading really old kernels, there is some important information you should be aware of regarding a change in keyboard coding. This could save you some time and headaches!
Up-to-date information on Linux for PowerPC is at PenguinPPC. We have an older collection of PowerPC links and a couple of pointers for Debian PowerPC developers.
Hardware specifications for Apple computers are available at AppleSpec.
If you need help, try asking for help in the following places:
The Debian PowerPC mailing list is the proper place for questions, suggestions for improvements, or just for chat concerning PowerPC systems running Debian. The debian-user list is also available for general Debian questions which are not specific to PowerPC.
To join the list, send e-mail to <debian-powerpc-request@lists.debian.org> with the word "subscribe" in the Subject line. List archives are available.
Linux for PowerPC Systems
Linux in general
The #debian channel on irc.debian.org is
for general topics relating to Debian, and there is the
#debianppc channel for topics specific to Debian on
PowerPC processors. You will almost always find someone on-line who is
happy to share information and help you with your problem.