A swap partition - which I think is a requirement (or at least a “should have”) for Linux.A boot partition, which will allow me to default to Linux at boot stage or to select either Linux or the relevant MacOS at boot stage.My question, therefore, is how to do a re-install of the same OS with my SSD partitioned into 4 or 5 segments: When I installed Mint, I foolishly allowed the install process to Erase the disc so that I effectively just have a single partition. I downloaded Linux Mint Cinnamon 20 using Balena Etcher on my MAC laptop and, after a bit of a struggle with boot options at restart (which seemed to work sometimes but not all the time), I installed Mint and have enjoyed learning a bit about it here and there while resolving the MBL problem. With more time on my hands, a lockdown benefit, and a fairly urgent issue to resolve (more later), I am now back in the saddle.

The original intention was to install Linux as I had a Ubuntu PC some years ago until we moved to a smaller house & my better half persuaded me to get rid of it. I added a wireless mouse + keyboard combination and am very happy with the basic setup for learning how to use Linux.

There is now no CD/DVD facility but there are 4 x USB2 (the slow version !) ports. It’s a lovely neat piece of kit - I think these were called all-in-one computers at one stage - and has been upgraded to 8Gb memory (the max) and has had a 500Gb SSD disc installed. I picked up a 2009 Apple iMac running Mac OS (cannot remember which version at this time) for a song through local classified adverts. I’m new here, also new to Linux but loving it so far and want to learn much more - if you can be bothered please read the attached - any comments are welcome to stimulate discussion.

Download linux mint for mac