Running and Installing Linux from Flash Drive

[Krunchyman]

Hello. I am new to Linux and I would like to download a version of Ubuntu or Mint onto a 4 GB flash drive and then install the OS onto a laptop computer. The computer I have has no internal hard drive which is why I want to run the operating system from the flash drive itself.

How do I perform this task? Also, what is the distribution best for doing this? I was thinking Ubuntu, Mint or anything very easy to use.

Thank you.

[oldfred]

Welcome to the forums.

With 4GB or less you need to use the installer versions, but add persistence so you can save some updates. (Full install really needs 8GB). It is not a full install to the flash drive that can do all updates. Often because both USB port and flash drive are slower a lighter weight version works better like Lubuntu, but if you have lots of RAM once loaded any version will run ok.

Pros & cons of persistent install over direct install to flashdrives - C.S.Cameron
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1655412

With grub2 persistent C.S.Cameron 12.04
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=2042965

Now older, but process is similar:
Installs to 4GB flash, newer of Ubuntu versions require 4.4GB as minimum
HOW TO Avoid Wubi & Install Ubuntu 10.04 on USB Drive -amjjawad
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1650699
HOW TO Install Lubuntu on USB Drive - amjjawad
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1872303