Three methods for running Linux from a USB flash drive

You may have heard of running the liveLinux operating system on a USB flash drive, but do you know that you can permanently save the running data or directly install Linux on a USB flash drive? This article will introduce three methods to pack Linux into a pocket (USB flash drive). pick one of your favorite methods! Burn an ISO image

You may have heard of running the live Linux operating system on a USB flash drive, but do you know that you can permanently save the running data or directly install Linux on a USB flash drive? This article will introduce three methods to pack Linux into a pocket (USB flash drive). pick one of your favorite methods!

Install an ISO image on a USB flash drive

It is extremely easy to burn the Live ISO image of a Linux release to a USB flash drive. From here, you can start your Linux system on any PC that supports boot from a USB flash disk. However, this method has one drawback: when you shut down, all your "modified" data will be lost. This is because, as a Live environment, all data is stored in RAM rather than on a USB flash drive. When you shut down, all the modified data will be lost.

If you need to modify the Linux system (such as installing, updating software, or modifying documents) installed on the USB flash disk during daily use, this method is obviously not feasible. However, if you plan to use it for secure communication (for example, online banking or TOR scenarios) and ensure that sensitive information is not stored, this method is undoubtedly the most suitable.

Permanent data storage

If you are a Ubuntu user, you can choose to permanently save the modified ISO image on the USB flash drive. In this way, you can install the application on the USB flash drive and save the newly created or modified documents.

Disadvantage: when the Live system is running, the Live account is automatically used to enter the system. This account has no password and anyone can log on to the system, making it insecure. Be especially careful when updating software. If the Linux kernel is updated, the bootloader may be damaged. This method is not flexible than the system installed on the hard disk. Because bootloader must be started in the same kernel version as the kernel version where the ISO image is installed.

Fully installed on USB flash drives

Finally, you can choose to fully install the system to the USB flash drive. You need to use a CD or another USB flash disk to store the installed ISO image. In this way, the entire system can be fully installed into the USB flash disk, and the system installed on the hard disk is as flexible as the system.

The advantage is obvious: it is no different from the system installed on the hard disk, and it is very portable. However, this method also has disadvantages: first, your USB flash drive should be large enough-at least 8 GB; second, the system itself will think that it is installed on the hard disk, therefore, it will optimize the currently running hardware, but such optimization may make the system unable to work when you encounter other future hardware.

This mainly involves installing private drivers. Do not use this driver to maintain maximum system compatibility. I didn't use a private driver when using this system installation method, so I didn't encounter any compatibility problems.

Summary

Surprised? You should not be surprised that the Linux system itself is very flexible, so it can meet various needs. Now that you know three methods for running Linux on a USB flash drive, it is very easy to choose the method that best suits you. Maybe you have learned several different installation methods and are hesitant to choose from them.

Which of the three methods do you use the most and which do you like the most? Why? Let us know in the comment!