Introduction: How to Make a Live-Booting Linux USB Drive

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About: Hi

So, I was bored last weekend and I decided that I would download Linux and give it a try.  Well, two days later, 4 .iso's, 2 compilers, and a weekend wasted.  So, being the benevolent person that I am, I'm going to try to save you that time I wasted.

Step 1: Getting the Stuff

So, as with everything, you need materials.
The materials for this project include:

-A working computer (I will be using a 64-bit)
-A USB drive (I recommend 4 GB, but bigger is better)
-About an hour, depending on your internet connection

Later I will provide links to downloads for the programs I use, so sit tight.

Step 2: The Downloads

So first you need to decide, what "flavor" of Linux do you want?  It doesn't matter too much, so long as it's relatively new.  I'll provide links to a few that are supported by the program I provide.

Li-Li - This is what you need to set up the installing of the OS. Click the "Download" button on the screen to begin, then the download  button that looks similar to the picture below.

Ubuntu - This is one of the most popular versions of Linux out there.  Here you will need to pick whether you have 32 or 64-bit.  Ubuntu will ask for a donation, but it's not required, so do as you please.  After choosing your donation amount, it should automatically start the download.

Linux Mint - Another popular "flavor" of Linux.  Again choose between 32 or 64-bit.

Now, these are not the only options for Linux, not by a long shot, but these are the most common that I've seen.  Feel free to use a different "flavor" of Linux if you want, just make sure that your "flavor" is compatible, which is covered in the next step.

Step 3: Setup

So, you've downloaded Li-Li and you've got your "flavor" that you want.  So now you should open Li-Li and you'll get a screen similar to the one I have below.  I'll break this down into 5 convenient steps for ya'll.

1 - Choose a USB - So this should be pretty self-explanatory, but if you need your hand held, then click the drop arrow and click on whatever your USB drive's name is.

2 - Choose a source - For the purpose of this instructable, you will click on the ISO/IMG/ZIP section.  A menu will appear and you will need to navigate to the location of the .ISO you downloaded.  After you select this, the image below will then have a progress bar that checks the compatibility of the .ISO.  If it is compatible, it will display your version of Linux.  Like the second picture.

3 - Persistence - So, for this you just need to pick the amount of data you can store.  I recommend 2048, which is 2 GB I believe.

4 - Options - If your USB isn't already formatted for FAT32, then click the middle option.  *WARNING* Formatting WILL erase ALL of the data on the USB drive.

5 - Create - Do as the text says and CLICK THE LIGHTNING BOLT!  Calmly if possible.

Step 4: Finishing Up

So, you've calmly clicked the lightning bolt and now a percentage will show up at the bottom, similar to the picture.  All you need to do now is patiently wait for the download to finish.  This is a three or four part section, so be patient.  It will be done soon.

So, it's done downloading, and a webpage should have been brought up on your web browser.  This is just a helpful hints guide.  Now you can close Li-Li, and finally start your Linux.

Step 5: The Final Step

So, the final thing you have to do is unplug your USB, plug it back in, then click on the Virtualize_This_Key application.  And Tada, it should be running.  Have fun!!  Please leave comments and suggestions and constructive feedback if you please, and if anything is unclear, let me know and I will fix it.  Thanks.