Questions about running Linux from a Flash Drive
 

- what, in your opinion, is the best distro to run from a flash drive? (i'm a beginner)

- are there any disadvantages of running off a flash drive?

- when booting from the flash drive, does linux function like a live cd or as if you're running it from a hard drive? (or is there a difference?)

- are there any brands or specific flash drive models that do not boot linux properly?

lets do the negatives first

1) you lose space to have system files....whereas if you are moving to another computer a live cd that can automount or manually mount a flash maximises space.

Yes I know you can now get 2G usbs...(or higher)

2) not all computer bios allow bootup to a usb stick

3) if you ever use it and forgotten to u(n)mount it b4 pulling it out.....ouch....you will need to format it as a journalised system such as ext3....xfs....and that loses more free space.....and uses ram to write to the journal

4) its not entirely clear to me why you need it on a flash.....a hard drive install will beat a live cd or flash any time.

but you do have to maintain (backup...check etc) what you use.

So i think backing up a flash is rather pointless....its more of a backup to someone needing a instant system who has no live cd?

5)....so assuming you mean a flash that has had its mbr changed and system files....and formatted etc....any flash could do....go for the biggest and most reliable.

various magazines do drop tests...stick in water etc so do a google for the country you are in for ideal flash media.

i want to use a flash drive because i don't want to risk ruining my hard drive while learning linux (i can't afford to mess things up right now)

also
- can you install programs while running linux from flash?

then just run live cds....eg knoppix has a lot either on a cd or dvd