linux flash drive

infinitus · 05-09-2004, 06:55 PM

I got my flash drive a while ago and looking for a linux distro that would fit. The flash drive is 512mb, usb2.0. I would prefer if I could also install x windows on it but just the command line will do.

mdmcginn · 05-09-2004, 09:41 PM

You want a bootable flash drive? I don't think the BIOS can do that. I haven't tried, though.

My SUSE 9.1 hangs up/slows down when my Lexar 64MB Jumpdrive is inserted, so I can't use it there, but Mandrake 9.2 handles it just fine. In fact, you can buy Mandrake Move (live CD) that comes with a flash drive, to give you a writable disk drive when you boot up from the CD.

mijenks · 05-09-2004, 09:58 PM

Actually, you can boot from USB. Make sure it is plugged in before turning on so the BIOS will recognize it (old BIOSes may not recognize it). There is at least one distro I've heard of (don't remember it) that is designed to fit on a USB key. G'luck.

infinitus · 05-09-2004, 09:59 PM

My computer can boot from a usb device (ie. flash drive). I already have a flash drive and don't really have the money laying around to buy Mandrake Move. I want to put it on my flash drive as it is easier to carry around then a cd and I am going to do a unit on linux next term and don't think that the school will install linux on one of the computers.

darkRoom · 05-10-2004, 12:02 PM

You can put just about any small GNU/Linux distro on a flash drive so take your pick.

Knoppix or Damn Small Linux
http://rz-obrian.rz.uni-karlsruhe.de/knoppix-usb/

Basic kernel
http://www.freewebs.com/tsj/bootingUSB_ldp_v0.1.htm

Old LQ thread, maybe interesting
http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...sb+flash+drive

Try also Flash Puppy Linux,
http://www.goosee.com/puppy/flash-puppy.htm

There are some others, check out zipslack also. But if you want X windows I would say Damn Small Linux is a good bet. Unfortunately to make the USB modifications you need the cloop module, not sure if federa has it - i had to install Debian to do the job.

Good luck

infinitus · 05-11-2004, 02:45 AM

darkroom, I was planning to change distro's soon and debian was one of the options so if I need to change to it, it won't concern me too much and thanks for the links.