How to install linux in a usb

Want to give Linux a try without messing with your computer's current setup? Or maybe you need a Linux system you can take anywhere for fixing problems or writing code? Putting Linux on a USB drive is a great idea! This guide will walk you through it, from picking the right version of Linux to making a USB that can start your computer and using it. We'll mostly talk about Ubuntu, which is easy to use, but the same ideas work for most Linux versions.

Why Put Linux on a USB Drive?

There are some really good reasons to install Linux on a USB drive:

• Take it anywhere: You can carry your whole operating system and all your programs with you.
• Try it out first: See if you like a version of Linux before you install it on your computer.
• Fix broken computers: Use the USB to get files off a computer that won't start or fix problems.
• No need to dual-boot: Run Linux without having to set up your computer to switch between operating systems.
• Keep things private: Make a safe space for doing things you don't want others to see.
• Test if it works: See if Linux works well with your computer parts.

Picking a Linux Version (Linux OS)

There are tons of different versions of Linux, and they all have their own special features. Here are a few popular ones:

• Ubuntu: Easy for beginners, and you can find lots of programs for it.
• Linux Mint: Another easy one, based on Ubuntu, that looks and feels familiar.
• Debian: Very stable and reliable, good for people who know what they're doing.
• Fedora: Uses the newest software, so it's always up-to-date.
• Kali Linux: Made for testing computer security.
• Elementary OS: Looks nice and is easy to use, like a macOS.

We'll use Ubuntu Install for this guide, but the steps are similar for other versions. Think about what you need – how easy it is to use, if it works with your computer, and if you can find the programs you want.

What You Need

Before we get started, make sure you have these things:

• A USB Drive: 8GB or bigger is best. Make sure it's empty, or that you've saved anything important from it, because we're going to erase it. A USB 3.0 drive will be much faster.
• A Computer: That can connect to the internet so you can download Linux and the tools we need.
• The Linux ISO File: This is a file you download from the Linux website. It's like a copy of the Linux system. You can download the latest Ubuntu ISO from ubuntu.com, for example.
• A USB Tool: This is software that puts the ISO file onto the USB drive so it can start your computer. We'll talk about some options below.

Step-by-Step: Putting Linux on a USB Drive

Step 1: Get the Linux Version (Like Ubuntu)

Go to the website for the Linux version you want (like ubuntu.com) and download the ISO file for the newest version. Make sure you pick the right one for your computer (32-bit or 64-bit).

Step 2: Pick a USB Tool

There are a few different programs you can use to make a USB drive that can start your computer. Here are some good ones:

• Rufus (Windows): Small, fast, and works well.
• Etcher (Windows, macOS, Linux): Easy to use and works on different computers.
• UNetbootin (Windows, macOS, Linux): Another good one that works with lots of Linux versions.
• Ventoy (Windows, Linux): This one is cool because you can put lots of ISO files on the USB drive and pick which one you want to start.

We're going to use Rufus because it's usually the fastest for Windows users.

Step 3: Make the USB Drive with Rufus

1. Get Rufus: Download the newest version from rufus.ie and open the file. You don't need to install it.
2. Pick Your USB Drive: In Rufus, find the "Device" menu and pick your USB drive. Warning: This will erase everything on the USB drive! Make sure you pick the right one.
3. Pick the ISO File: Click "SELECT" next to "Boot selection" and find the Linux ISO file you downloaded.
4. Partition and System Type (Maybe): Rufus will usually pick the right settings here. If you don't know what these are, just leave them alone. But if you have a newer computer, GPT is usually the best choice.
5. Start! Click "START" to make the USB drive. It will warn you that it's going to erase the USB drive. Click "OK" to go ahead.
6. Wait: This will take a few minutes. Rufus will show you how far along it is. When it's done, it will say "READY."
7. Close: Click "CLOSE" to close Rufus.

Step 4: Tell Your Computer to Start from the USB Drive

To start your computer from the USB drive, you need to change some settings in your computer's BIOS/UEFI. These settings tell your computer what to start first. The steps are a little different depending on your computer.

1. Restart: Restart your computer.
2. Enter BIOS/UEFI: When the computer is starting up, look for a message that tells you what key to press to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup. It's usually Del, F2, F12, or Esc. Check your computer's manual if you're not sure.
3. Find Boot Order: In the BIOS/UEFI, look for the boot order settings. It might be in a menu called "Boot," "Advanced," or "BIOS Features."
4. Put USB First: Change the order so that the USB drive is first.
5. Save and Exit: Save the changes and exit the setup. The key to press is usually shown on the screen (like F10).
6. Enable USB (If Needed): Some computers might need you to turn on USB boot in the BIOS/UEFI. Look for an option like "Enable USB Boot" or "Legacy USB Support" and make sure it's on.

Step 5: Start from the USB and Run Linux

1. Put in the USB: Put the USB drive into your computer.
2. Restart: Restart your computer.
3. Boot from USB: If you set everything up right, your computer should start from the USB drive. If not, you might need to press a key (like F12) to pick the USB drive as the startup device.
4. Pick an Option: You might see a menu with different options. "Try Ubuntu" (or something similar) lets you run Linux from the USB drive without installing it. "Install Ubuntu" (or similar) lets you install Linux on your computer.
5. Try or Install:
   • Try It: Pick "Try Ubuntu" to run Linux from the USB drive. This lets you see if you like it and if it works with your computer. It will be slower than running it from your hard drive.
   • Install It: Pick "Install Ubuntu" to install Linux on your computer. Follow the instructions on the screen. Be careful when you're setting up the partitions – you don't want to erase your other operating system by accident! You can install Linux alongside your other operating system (dual-boot) or erase everything and just install Linux.

Having Trouble?

If you have problems, here are some things to try:

• Check the ISO File: Make sure the ISO file you downloaded is not broken. Most Linux websites have a special code (checksum) you can use to check it.
• Try a Different USB: Some USB drives don't work well with certain computers or tools. Try a different one.
• Try a Different Tool: If Rufus doesn't work, try Etcher or UNetbootin.
• Check BIOS/UEFI: Make sure the USB drive is set to start first and that USB boot is turned on.
• Turn Off Secure Boot: Secure Boot is a security feature that can stop the USB drive from starting. Try turning it off in your BIOS/UEFI. Be careful, because turning off Secure Boot can make your computer less secure.
• Read the Linux Website: The Linux website has tips for fixing problems.

In Conclusion

Putting Linux on a USB drive is a great way to try it out, have a portable operating system, or have a tool for fixing computers. Just follow these steps, and you'll be able to make a USB drive that can start Linux. Remember to pick the right version for you and be careful when you're installing it so you don't lose any files. Whether you're using Ubuntu or another version, the steps are mostly the same. Have fun exploring Linux!

This guide showed you how to put Linux OS, especially Ubuntu Install, on a USB drive. Using a USB drive is an easy way to try out or install Linux without changing your main computer setup.