

- #Make a linux bootable usb on mac for a pc for free#
- #Make a linux bootable usb on mac for a pc install#
- #Make a linux bootable usb on mac for a pc zip file#
- #Make a linux bootable usb on mac for a pc portable#
- #Make a linux bootable usb on mac for a pc software#
If you need extra help, you’ll find plenty of official and unofficial instructions, specific to each version of Linux, available for free online.įinally, you need a standard computer (complete with keyboard, monitor, the whole shebang) that can boot up from a USB drive-which covers pretty much all machines sold in the last five years or so. So if you prefer a different distro, feel free to go with that instead of Pixel OS. That said, the process only varies slightly from one version to another. The operating system is free to download and you can pick it up at this link. We picked it for several reasons: It’s simple to set up and operate, it includes all the basic apps you’re likely to need, and we’re fans of the Raspberry Pi mini computer. This guide will focus on the Raspberry Pi foundation’s Pixel OS, which is a version of a Linux distro called Debian. Many Linux distros, including Ubuntu, can run from USB drives. However, we went with a different option. Netrunner, Ubuntu, Porteous, Knoppix, Fedora, and Mint are all good choices, and you can find more information about them at the above links. Many different distros can run on a USB in many different configurations.
#Make a linux bootable usb on mac for a pc software#
Once you’ve got the USB stick, you’ll need the software to go on it-which means it’s time to choose a Linux distribution. For example, we’d recommend a 64GB Kingston Data Traveler ( $22.97 on Amazon) or a 32GB SanDisk Ultra CZ48 ( $11.99 on Amazon). If you’re waffling between two options and need a clincher to pick one, then go for the drive with the fastest read speeds listed in the specs. Choose a device from a trusted brand name like Kingston or SanDisk, and shell out for as much capacity (you’ll need at least 4GB) and speed as you can afford. So invest in a new USB drive for this project, ideally one that works with USB 3.0. The latest versions of hardware will have the latest speeds and technologies.

That said, these devices provide maximum flexibility and portability-and they’re relatively easy to set up. Finally, you still need a mouse, keyboard, and monitor to access the drive’s contents, as well as a standard computer to boot up from. You’re also limited by the space on the USB drive, which can’t match the biggest hard drives. You can only run basic apps, and file access times are likely to be slower, especially if you’re using older USB 2.0 ports rather than the latest USB 3.0. USB stick computers do have their downsides, as you might expect for something that’s hundreds of dollars cheaper and much smaller than a full-size machine. It’s also a good option to have if you want to borrow a friend’s computer without interfering with anything on there. Much easier to tote around than a laptop, a USB computer comes in handy if you tend to switch between an office and home computer and want to use the same programs on both.
#Make a linux bootable usb on mac for a pc portable#
This mini computer can contain all your apps, programs, and files-it really is like having a portable computer in the palm of your hand. Once you’ve created your portable computer, simply plug it into a PC or Mac of your choice, boot it up from the drive, and you’re up and running.
#Make a linux bootable usb on mac for a pc install#
In fact, you can install many of its versions (Linux comes in several different flavors, called distributions or distros) on a USB stick. On newer Macs from 2019(*) with the Apple T2 Security Chip, you may need to change the SecureBoot settings for MemTest86 to boot.Linux, the free and open-source operating system, has fewer desktop users than Windows and macOS.


#Make a linux bootable usb on mac for a pc zip file#
