[WLUG] Mac G5 Black Screen after Linux Installs

[Dave Coak]

     I have a MAC PPC dual 2Ghz G5 processor desktop computer.   I want 
it to dual boot into OS X as well as Linux.
     I have installed Ubuntu 10.04PPC  without major problems.  An 
attempt to install Ubuntu 12.04PPC resulted in a black screen on 
startup, as did Debian 7.8PPC 64 bit, Mint 11PPC 64 bit, and Kubuntu 
12.04 PPC 64bit.
     There is no prompt or blinking cursor at start up that would allow 
me to enter parameter or mode changes for the ATI 9600 graphics card
in my G5.
     My reading has indicated that the Linux Kernel was changed before 
Ubuntu 12.04 that disabled the default driver that worked on my machine 
in Ubuntu 10.04.   The Black screen after install is widely discussed 
with the MAC PPC G5 model with the ATI graphics card (there are driver 
problems with NVIDIA cards on my model as well).  There are some fixes 
offered, but they require a command line or a start up prompt.  Neither 
of which I have.
     I would like to have a newer OS installed on my G5, but I don't 
know how to make it work(my preference is Mint 11PPC 64 bit).
Ubuntu 12.04 works from the Live CD.  I have also tried Crux PPC 3.0 64 bit
     If anyone at WLUG has help and advice with this, please Help
Thanks
Dave Coak
(new member)