Narenareshii's Blog

I Put Linux on USB Flash Drive

There are many benefits of having linux live usb, and also several ways to have this convenient OS installed in USB (flash drive and HDD).

Let say my friend or neighbour is in trouble with his computer. Some files are needed immediately while the computer can not load its system. He merely know how to operate, not knowing how to repair it when it is in trouble. No backup files, no time to reinstall the system. Here I can help him by plugging my linux live usb to his computer’s usb port. Power on pc, setup BIOS for usb first booting sequence, then linux will load and I can browse and copy his needed files.

I can bring my preferred operating system, applications, configuration, and personal files along with me wherever I go. If I visit my friend without bringing my notebook, I can borrow his computer but will not use the installed OS. Instead, I will use my own linux live usb.

Many other benefits that readers may have in addition to what I mention above. Please feel free to share.

Different from live CD version, the live usb has the ability to save settings and  to install software packages permanently. The data contained can be changed by addition and deletion . Live usb also operates faster than live CD.However, for older computers that do not have a USB booting BIOS, we have to use the live CD.

Various applications exist to create live usb. Below are links to download the application which works with a variety of linux distributions.

For single booting :
https://fedorahosted.org/liveusb-creator/
http://unetbootin.sourceforge.net/
http://www.linuxliveusb.com/
http://www.pendrivelinux.com/

For multi booting (many linux distros put on one USB flash drive):
http://www.pendrivelinux.com/boot-multiple-iso-from-usb-multiboot-usb/

Hopefully, it will be useful to you.