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How to install Linux from USB memory stick correctly like an expert? Step by step guide

For choose a Linux distribution that suits your needs it will be convenient that you know all the features that have the most important versions of the operating system.

If you don’t know how to choose the distro, don’t worry because in this post we will explain all the steps and criteria that you should take into account when choosing between Linux versions.

In this article we will also show you a guide to creating a bootable USB and how to install Linux from USB. Do not miss anything because we will also talk about the best distributions that you can use without problems.

How to choose the Linux distribution that best suits me for my digital work?

You must bear in mind that all Linux distributions They have different functions that will help to better fulfill some digital work, while others can favor you in another aspect of your work. For this reason, it is convenient that you analyze well the version of Linux that you are going to install to avoid wasting time in the future.

There are different ways to choose a distribution of Linux for you to install on your computer. Many times users are inclined towards a distro they already know how it works because they used it before or because they received positive comments from other users. In case you didn’t know which one to choose, there are alternatives that you can consider to choose a distro that best suits your needs.

One of the options is that search in Google or in the different official pages of each of the Linux versions what are the characteristics that have distributions. There is also another way, much more comfortable and faster to find the distribution that is compatible with your requirements. You can help yourself by platforms that will use surveys to discover your needs and your user level. For example, Distrochooser.

To carry out this task, you will have to Enterokay to https://distrochooser.de/es/ with your browser and click on Start test. This way you can detect if you want to use Linux every day, what installation method you require, type of distribution ideology and pre-established themes, among other elements. Once you have all answered items, the portal will recommend 2 or 3 Linux distributions for you to install according to your experience.

What are the system requirements to be able to install Linux without errors?

System requirement it will depend on the Linux distribution you choose. For example, if you choose Lubuntu or Puppy Linux you will have no problem using an old computer that has a storage capacity of 20 MB, of a memory RAM up to 1 GB.

But if you choose layouts with a much more modern look as for example is Ubuntu, Manjaro or Linux Mint, you will need a processor of at least X32, a hard drive of 100 MB Y 4 GB RAM. In case of choosing Kali Linux, the hardware requirements will be similar to these.

Learn step by step how to create a Bootable USB to install Linux from scratch

To create a bootable USB memory to later install Linux from scratch you will have to do this step by step:

Connect the USB to your computer

If you have an operating system Windows, you must place the USB memory in any port and then enter the function Run. You will do this by pressing the start button and typing cmd or by pressing the key combination Windows + R.

Partition the external disk

Once you see a black window you will have to write DISKPART and then press the key Enter. This will make you able run the command LIST DISK, whose name you must write and click Enter again.

Select USB

What you should do now is choose from the list the disk number that it threw the command LIST DISK. In order for you to distinguish the hard drive, you will have to read the size or storage capacity. So that you should always choose the smallest size.

Clean the USB

When you have done the previous step, you will have to write to the console SELECT DISK next to the disk number. Then you will have to enter command CLEAN, after a few seconds you must write CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY and finally press the key Enter.

Format Flash memory

What you will be left to do is format USB, so you should to write FORMAT FS=NTFS and press Enter. After a few minutes enter ASSIGN and then Enter. To go out, writes EXIT and finally press the key Enter.

Use Rufus

Use Rufus

Another way you have to do the previous steps is to download Rufus. This is a computer tool that will help you boot the ISO of any Linux version. For this you will have to go to https://rufus.ie and click on START (after selecting the USB).

Then, you will have to follow this step by step:

  • Open the file explorer. When you click on To select, in the previous steps that we discussed, the file explorer will open automatically. If it doesn’t, you will have to do it manually and select the USB memory in which you have the Ubuntu ISO saved.
  • Connect to the internet. If you are not yet connected to the web, you will have to do so at this time. But you don’t need to worry about this step because Rufus (when you press Yes) will do it for you. Next, you will have to select in the box Write in ISO image mode (recommended) and click okay.

Easy and fast steps to install Linux from a USB from any computer

Once you’ve booted the USB, what you will have to do now is install linux from flash memory.

To do this, you will have to follow these steps:

Choose the Linux distribution you want to install

The first thing you should do is enter Distrochooser (according to the steps that we mentioned before), complete the survey and choose the version of Linux that best suits you according to the test you did.

Install the distro

Install the distro

Once you have chosen correctly Linux version you want to install, you will have to go to the distribution main page and download it to the USB memory. For example, if you choose Ubuntu you will have to download the ISO with your trusted browser from the URL https://lubuntu.net/downloads/ .

Turn off the computer and connect the USB

What you should do at this time is to turn off the team and then Turn it on when this connected flash memory. Before the operating system you have on your computer starts, you will have to press the key F12 or any other that corresponds to the brand of motherboard you have.

Access the BIOS

When you have pressed the corresponding key, which can also be TAB, ESC, F1, F8, F9 or F10, you should select USB so that it starts Linux and then squeeze Enter.

Configure Linux version options

Configure Linux version options

The operating system it will detect that you want to install a distro, so you must choose the language and then click on Enter. This will take you to the installation wizard for the chosen distribution. If we continue with the example of Ubuntu, you will have to click on Start Ubuntu and then click on Install Ubuntu.

Run the installer steps

At this time what you should do is continue with the installation process, in which you will have to choose the location, users and keyboard settings, among other elements.

List of the best Linux distributions that you can use without problems

As we told you before, Linux offers different distributions that will help you in different areas of your work, so you should choose the one that best suits your needs. Therefore, we have prepared this list with the best distributions of the operating system that you can use without problems.

Check out:

Ubuntu

This is one of the most widely used versions of Linux due to the ease offered to handle so it makes it a versatile tool that will help you in different tasks. It is designed in Debian and presents a graphical interface based on Gnome. Its great feature is the left sidebar that is on the screen to quickly access different functions represented by simple and intuitive icons.

Kali Linux

Kali Linux

It is also designed in Debian and is chosen by many users because of the security it offers to protect data and the computer defense tools that can be used with ease. It is recommended for users of medium or expert level, since in this way you can take better advantage of all its functions. Have a custom kernel with security patches and supports ARM architecture.

Manjaro

This distribution of Linux is intended for users with advanced knowledge, since it has different desktop environments and can be used in a community or personal way. It has a community that stands out for forums and help that participants receive when they have a problem. It is based on Arch Linux and its main tools come pre-installed, so its use is one of the strongest points of this distro.