16
Running a linux distro installer from a working system? (feddit.cl)
submitted 2 months ago by to c/linuxquestions@lemmy.zip
14 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

Title.

I know there are tools to set up a linux distro's installer on a USB flashdrive. What I'm looking for is slightly different: I want to install a linux distro (a Debian derivative, but am still unsure which) on a USB hard drive, but I want to do it from a running system, rather that have to boot into installer mode.

The rationale is that this is the only active machine I have ATM. I guess this exists since that's how "live distros" with installers even function in the first place, but I haven't had much luck searching for information.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] 4 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

It sounds to me like you are looking to create a "portable" linux install.
This used to be quite common when linux was much less common.
A lot of live distros, including ubuntu, support using an extra partition on the USB as the 'drive', so you boot to the standard live distro but your files and history are all there too.

Here's a couple links. Google "portable linux" for more info.

A general list of portable linux distros.
https://www.ubuntupit.com/best-portable-linux-os-distros-to-install-run-from-usb/

Detailed instructions on doing this.
(I reviewed this, looks accurate, didn't really dig through it. Their method is to create an installer USB in one port, boot from it, and then install to another USB in another port. The UEFI directions at the end look a bit sus. YMMV.)
https://coastipc.com/blog/post/creating-a-portable-linux-operating-system-on-a-usb-drive

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
    •