| '''Important notes:''' |
* This guide favors NEW USB drives. This guide can be used with used drives, but it is recommended you use a new drive. This is because a 8-16GB USB flashdrive is so cheap you are better off buying a new drive is suggested. You can get a 8GB USB drive for this guide and dedicatingless then ~$20, depending on your local prices. If you buy it online, expect to Linux ISO'spay even less. |
| '''Important notes: |
* This guide favors NEW USB drives. This guide can be used with used drives, but it is recommended you use a new drive. This is because a 8-16GB USB flashdrive is so cheap you are better off buying a new drive for this guide and dedicating it to Linux ISO's. |
* There are no steps on how to burn a DVD. I personally believe DVD media is no longer viable because you have to throw it out after you are finished with or a new distro comes out. You can easily reformat USB drives and write the new distro to your USB drive. '''Note: If you want the version with the DVD steps, look in the comments. I have preserved a copy for anyone who wants it.''' |
* If you need to use a CD/DVD to boot, you will need to use a boot manager or refer to the archived version of this guide. I have a guide on finding a boot manager to use if you need it. This should not be required for the vast majority of users, as most computers support USB boot options. |
| '''Important notes:''' |
| * This guide favors NEW USB drives. This guide can be used with used drives, but a new drive is suggested. You can get a 8GB USB drive for less then ~$20, depending on your local prices. If you buy it online, expect to pay even less. |
| * DVD related information has been removed. The reason for this is I believe USB is the better option. You will probably find your next laptop doesn't have a DVD drive and it's going to be a USB flashdrive or DVD drive. If you bought the laptop used and you find the drive does not work you will have to use this anyway if you do not have a USB DVD drive to fall back on. USB is a lot more reliable then DVD's are. If you decide to switch distros or find your USB drive doesn't boot right then you can wipe the drive and fix it, which you can't do with DVD's. This also comes in handy if you switch distros, since you can wipe your drive and change your media out without burning a new set of DVD's to make the switch. |
| * If your system that has trouble booting from USB flashdrives you can use a boot manager to mitigate the problem. There is a link to a guide that covers this. '''Most users will not need this.''' |