Creating a Linux bootable thum drive

[hiljoball]

In the WIn 10 worries thread, Stan wrote -

 

A bootable Linux CD, DVD, external or thumb drive can work out well for folks, use Windows for whatever you want but reboot into Linux for stuff where you are worried about privacy.

 

I like OpenSuse for a full system that has a wide selection of programs but for just browsing something like the DoD sponsored Linux is a better fit.

 

OpenSuse: https://software.opensuse.org/132/en

 

DoD: http://www.spi.dod.mil/lipose.htm

 

The DoD standard version loads faster than the deluxe so try it first.

 

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

 

I am very familiar with MS operating systems, having bought my first PC in the early 80s.So I have used CPM, DOS, and a number of Windows versions (the good ones - not the bad). I know how to work from the command line. I would like to try out Linux.

 

Here is my problem and request for help. I went to each of the above links and quickly got lost trying to follow the instructions. I want to create a bootable thumb drive with (say) opensuse. The instructs say things like - download the image then burn (not copy) the ISO to a DVD. It talks about tools to prepare a bootable thumb drive. but the instructions quickly refer to acronyms and I get lost.

 

Can someone lead me through the steps in order. I don't want to use a CD or DVD.

 

I think my question is

1. what format for the thumb drive Fat32 or ntfs

2. how make the thumb drive bootabe - do I use the windows format command and add the sys? or is it created from the linux ISO and if so how do I get to that step.

3. how to put the linux image onto the thumb drive (what is the difference between burn and copy)?

 

Thanks

 

John

[RV_]

Download and use this:

http://download.cnet.com/Free-ISO-to-USB/3000-18511_4-75880271.html

 

FAT32 is best.

 

If that program isn't simple enough, try another of these:

http://www.bing.com/search?q=iso+flash+usb+drive+burner&src=IE-SearchBox&FORM=IENTTR&conversationid=

 

Once you burned an .iso image to the thumb drive the .iso contains all it needs to boot.

 

You will want to go into your bios and change the boot order or look up the key to strike on boot to bring the bios up. Those instructions are for Windows 7. For Windows 8/8.1 you need to disable secureboot and enable legacy support in its BIOS called the UEFI.

[hiljoball]

Finally, I figured out how to do it, using ImageUSB program from the Opsuse page.

 

Unfortunately got to the end of the process only to get an error message about creating the boot sector. Will try again tomorrow.

 

Thanks RV

 

John

[skp51443]

I should be around tomorrow too if something is still not acting right. Been a while since I made a Suse drive from Windows but I'll be happy to take a shot at it.

[k4rs]

I have had very good luck with rufus:

 

http://rufus.akeo.ie/

 

Steps to make bootable USB:

 

1. Download the .iso

2. Run Rufus

3. Select the .iso from step one.

4. Click "Start"

 

done...

 

I am not familiar with the tool that RV linked to, but I would be very cautious downloading from Cnet. Many of the download sites have started padding the download with other / un-wanted files.

 

Safe Travels...

[hiljoball]

Well, I had a partial success. I used Rufus and the DOD Delux. It will boot on my Acer netbook, but will not boot on my Toshiba laptop.

 

That is good enough as I use the netbook when travelling and using hotel wifi.

 

Thanks for the help.

 

JOhn

[skp51443]

Download: https://software.opensuse.org/132/en

 

Make a stick using Suse: https://en.opensuse.org/Live_USB_stick

 

Make a stick using Windows, some complicated suggestions: https://en.opensuse.org/SDB:Create_a_Live_USB_stick_using_Windows

 

Simple point-and-click method Windows using ImageUSB: http://www.osforensics.com/tools/write-usb-images.html

 

 

 

I'll give this a try later tonight and see if it works as well as they think it does, I haven't tried ImageUSB, only the older Suse ImageWriter since I normally do these from Linux.

 

-----------------------

also a Mac page:

 

Make a stick using a Mac: https://en.opensuse.org/SDB:Create_a_Live_USB_stick_using_Mac_OS_x

[skp51443]

I've made several bootable USB sticks with the ImageUSB tool but it only works with the "Live" versions that are under 4GB in size. It will not write the full OpenSuse DVD as it is just over 4GB and too big for this tool. I didn't try the other tools with the over 4GB DVD .iso file so that may be an issue for them too.

 

After fooling with this for a while this evening I'd recommend downloading the Live version and copying to your USB stick using one of these tools to keep things simple. Click on the link in this section of the Suse download page to see the Live versions:

 

Some alternative media (eg. live and rescue systems) are also available, although they are less tested and recommended for only limited use. Click here to display these alternative versions.

 

 

Optionally you could also install to an external hard drive instead of the USB stick. Once you are serious about using it you'd want to put it on an internal hard drive, either add one or make space on the one you currently have, using an additional one is safest since it requires no changes to your Windows drive.

[k4rs]

Well, I had a partial success. I used Rufus and the DOD Delux. It will boot on my Acer netbook, but will not boot on my Toshiba laptop.

 

That is good enough as I use the netbook when travelling and using hotel wifi.

 

Thanks for the help.

 

JOhn

 

Since your USB stick works on the netbook it appears to have been done correctly. I would check the BIOS settings on the Toshiba to see if it is configured to allow booting from USB. You can frequently press an F key early in the boot process to select which device to boot from.

 

Safe Travels...