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    New Linux user- installing linux on USB

    Discussion in 'Linux Compatibility and Software' started by kingp1ng, Aug 15, 2011.

  1. kingp1ng

    kingp1ng Notebook Evangelist

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    So I'm a new Linux user and I want to try out Pinguy OS 11.04 on a USB. The OS download size is 1.7 GB. However the OS comes with the whole kitchen sink of default programs. Does that mean those hundreds of programs only take up 1.7 GB? Or will it take up much more room once I apply updates?

    What size USB would you suggest? 4GB? 8GB? More?
     
    kingp1ng, Aug 15, 2011
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  2. V_Chip

    V_Chip Be about it.

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    I'm assuming so. You can run the OS from the usb by making it bootable and changing your boot order in the BIOS in order to "try" it. Otherwise you can also install it as an application through Wubi, or INSTALL install it by prepping an actual partition.
     
    V_Chip, Aug 15, 2011
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  3. kingp1ng

    kingp1ng Notebook Evangelist

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    So basically all I need is a cheapo 2GB USB to tryout the OS?

    I don't want to waste a perfectly good 8GB USB if I don't have to. And I won't want to re-partition my hard drive since I don't know if I'll even like that distro.
     
    kingp1ng, Aug 15, 2011
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  4. V_Chip

    V_Chip Be about it.

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    You won't be wasting a 8gb flash drive if all you intend to do is test it out. There is nothing permanent about the process.

    See more info here:
    Download | Ubuntu
     
    V_Chip, Aug 15, 2011
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  5. woofer00

    woofer00 Wanderer

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    4GB will work, 2GB maybe. That image might cut it close. I know 2GB works for Ubuntu and Mint, but Pinguy has extra bells and whistles.

    Making A Bootable USB To Install Pinguy OS

    Unetbootin should work, usb-creator as well if you had a functional ubuntu machine available.
     
    woofer00, Aug 15, 2011
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  6. Primes

    Primes Notebook Deity

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    I would go with a 4gb. That gives you room for some distros that let you run in persistent mode (able to save settings and files).

    Running off usb is mainly for testing and portable use. You may be able to do some kinds of updates (on a persistent install), but other updates will simply fail. In other words, don't bother with updates.

    I also recommend livelinuxusb.com and unetbootin for making usb distros.
     
    Primes, Aug 15, 2011
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  7. v1k1ng1001

    v1k1ng1001 Notebook Deity

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    I keep an old 4gb around for upgrading and distro hopping. I try out an os every week or so on my netbook.
     
    v1k1ng1001, Aug 15, 2011
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