Linux on MAC OS
The following is a way to have Linux on mac os without partition and have both desktops running at the same time.

Mint comes with gimp, an office suite, firefox  and vlc player to name a few applications already installed.
It also has synaptic package manger in order to install more applications.
The Mint I downloaded uses the xfce window manager, which is clean and quicker then kde or gnome.


Install virtual box  to use linux on MAC OS:
- download virtual box  http://dlc.sun.com.edgesuite.net/virtualbox/4.3.8/VirtualBox-4.3.8-92456-OSX.dmg
---- double click on dmg , and auto uncompress

- download mint from http://virtualboximages.com/LinuxMint+16+XFCE+32+Bit+VirtualBox+VDI+Virtual+Computer
---- uncompress the rar file



Execute
---- double click on vbox file , where file name starts  linuxmint....


Install more apps, using the 'software manager'.
-xfig is neat , it's great for flowcharts, and has old-school clipart.
-nano text editor I prefer over vi/vim. It's similar to ed/edit dos application
-tux paint is a quick way to make graphics-
-To have a taskbar, install docky
-kstars for sun, moon and other planets

To change the theme, settings->appearance. I like dusk

Change the passwords at a terminal:
The password for adminuser is adminuser
The password for root is adminuser