How to Make a Linux LiveCD ISO Boot from a USB Drive

Live CDs are image files of Linux operating systems that allow the user to play around with the operating system in real time without having to install it, or do any altercations to their hard drive. They are downloaded as ISO files, which are disc images, and are meant to be burned to a CD and placed into a CD drive.

Unfortunately for some, their computer does not have a working optical drive, and they can't afford to by a portable USB drive. This means they not only can't use the LiveCD feature, but also that they can't install the OS.

If this is the case with your computer, you're in luck. This tutorial will teach you how to add an ISO LiveCD to an external hard drive or flash drive and make it bootable, so that the Linux OS runs as it normally would, without the need of a CD drive.

Items Needed:

Empty flash drive or external hard drive (at least 2GB)
Linux ISO file
Unetbootin
Computer with 'boot from USB' option (most computers can do this)

Step 1: You will need to download the Linux ISO first, as it is needed before anything else can be done. If you already have an ISO file, skip ahead.

Ubuntu is a good option for someone who has never played with Linux before, but other options include: Slax, Fedora, Debian, SUSE, etc. Research the different distros and choose one.

Step 2: Download a program called Unetbootin. This program is free and small in file size, and is very easy to use. Plug your external hard drive or USB flash drive into your computer.

Now, start Unetbootin. Choose the radio button next to 'disc image ISO' and then browse and load the ISO file you downloaded. Now, at the bottom, choose the button that says 'show all drives'.

Now, choose USB drive from the Type: box, and choose the correct drive letter in the next box. Be sure to choose the letter for the drive you have plugged in. If you choose the wrong one, you could write over your internal hard drive and lose all your data.

If you're sure you chose the correct one, select OK. The ISO will be wrote to your hard drive. It will appear to hang half way through the process, but it hasn't just leave it alone for a few minutes (about 10), and it will suddenly finish.

Step 3: Choose the button to restart your computer, and let it restart. At BIOS, enter setup and change the boot sequence so that the USB drive boots before the internal hard drive. Simply high light the USB option and press the U button to move it up. When finished, exit BIOS and wait for it to restart. Make sure your drive is still plugged in.

Step 4: You will see the Linux logo appear for the distro you chose. Wait for it to finish, and then choose 'Try....' option to start up the LiveCD.