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[–]9-111 point
33 points
34 points
(+34|-1)
ago
(edited ago)
got an unused flash drive laying around??? take a linux test drive!
This will give you a Portable Linux operating system that can then be taken with you, and run from any computer that can boot from the USB flash device. it even has persistence (you can save stuff), doesnt touch your hard drive at all.
http://www.pendrivelinux.com/ - windows program, just point it to the the usb stick and the linux .iso image of your choice, this doesnt make an install disc, this makes the usb stick a fully usuable operating system that works on any computer.
https://linuxmint.com/download.php - the easiest linux and most windows-esque, has every driver you'll ever need, i've never booted a pc from a usb that didnt immediately have video/ethernet/audio working. cinnamon 64bit is a good choice for most, slick and new.
point the program at the iso image, takes about 5 minutes, restart and press F2 or F8 or F11 or w/e (it usually flashes on screen 'boot option'), you could also change boot priority in bios... and boom you immediately have a linux desktop to play around on. if you like it, there is a desktop shortcut to install on a local hard drive, if you dont like it, just remove the usb and boot normally into your regular untouched OS/hard drive. you can put it into your pocket and boot at a friends house to show off linux or for recovery options.
also, the windows program 'pendrive linux' has an option for windows7 to make a usb installer for that OS from an .iso image (for install by usb, not full os like the linux options.)
Yes. Use Linux. It's free, secure, easier to install than Windows, and test-driving different distros could not be simpler. If you've already got a Windows installation, dual-booting is smoother than a Java update.
Everyone has their favorite flavor of Linux, try a bunch of popular distros and see which is best for you.
Need Photoshop? Use WINE or run Windows as a VM. Need games? Lots run on Linux, more every day, and a cross-platform DirectX killer is on the horizon. Need a specific game or program that only runs on Windows? Dual-boot! Get away from Windows now because their bullshit is only going to get worse.
[–]9-110 points
7 points
7 points
(+7|-0)
ago
(edited ago)
the pendrive linux windows program is sort of idiot proof. impossible to install onto C: drive, and only small usb hard drives are listed in the programs list of recognized drives. larger drives are hidden by default, you would have to check a box to show every drive
you might want to unplug any other important usb/external drives that are small. it gives you a 'detailed' warning pop-up to confirm the usb stick too.
also, you sound like you would be in trouble if you lost it, you should think about making a backup.
view the rest of the comments →
[–] 9-11 1 point 33 points 34 points (+34|-1) ago (edited ago)
got an unused flash drive laying around??? take a linux test drive!
This will give you a Portable Linux operating system that can then be taken with you, and run from any computer that can boot from the USB flash device. it even has persistence (you can save stuff), doesnt touch your hard drive at all.
http://www.pendrivelinux.com/ - windows program, just point it to the the usb stick and the linux .iso image of your choice, this doesnt make an install disc, this makes the usb stick a fully usuable operating system that works on any computer.
https://linuxmint.com/download.php - the easiest linux and most windows-esque, has every driver you'll ever need, i've never booted a pc from a usb that didnt immediately have video/ethernet/audio working. cinnamon 64bit is a good choice for most, slick and new.
point the program at the iso image, takes about 5 minutes, restart and press F2 or F8 or F11 or w/e (it usually flashes on screen 'boot option'), you could also change boot priority in bios... and boom you immediately have a linux desktop to play around on. if you like it, there is a desktop shortcut to install on a local hard drive, if you dont like it, just remove the usb and boot normally into your regular untouched OS/hard drive. you can put it into your pocket and boot at a friends house to show off linux or for recovery options.
also, the windows program 'pendrive linux' has an option for windows7 to make a usb installer for that OS from an .iso image (for install by usb, not full os like the linux options.)
[–] Spooks 0 points 7 points 7 points (+7|-0) ago
Yes. Use Linux. It's free, secure, easier to install than Windows, and test-driving different distros could not be simpler. If you've already got a Windows installation, dual-booting is smoother than a Java update.
Everyone has their favorite flavor of Linux, try a bunch of popular distros and see which is best for you.
Need Photoshop? Use WINE or run Windows as a VM. Need games? Lots run on Linux, more every day, and a cross-platform DirectX killer is on the horizon. Need a specific game or program that only runs on Windows? Dual-boot! Get away from Windows now because their bullshit is only going to get worse.
[–] [deleted] 0 points 3 points 3 points (+3|-0) ago (edited ago)
[–] 9-11 0 points 7 points 7 points (+7|-0) ago (edited ago)
the pendrive linux windows program is sort of idiot proof. impossible to install onto C: drive, and only small usb hard drives are listed in the programs list of recognized drives. larger drives are hidden by default, you would have to check a box to show every drive
you might want to unplug any other important usb/external drives that are small. it gives you a 'detailed' warning pop-up to confirm the usb stick too.
also, you sound like you would be in trouble if you lost it, you should think about making a backup.