How to Install Linux Mint from a USB Flash Drive
Linux Mint, an open-source operating system, offers many advantages over traditional operating systems like Windows. For one thing, it's free. For another, Linux-based operating systems are much less likely to be infected by a virus or other malware. But what if you want to take Linux with you wherever you go? Fortunately, you can use your USB flash drive to run or install Linux Mint on any computer---no CD or download required.
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Instructions
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Open your web browser and go to www.linuxmint.com. Click "Download" at the top of the page, then scroll down until you see the heading "Main Edition." Click "Direct Download" just under this heading. Remember the location of the downloaded file.
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Open a new browser tab while the .iso file is downloading and download Pendrivelinux.com's USB installer (see Resources section below).
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Open the USB installer and insert your USB flash drive. Click the "..." button to manually locate your .iso file when it has finished downloading. Select this file, click "OK" and then "Next." Follow the prompts and wait for the application to copy your .iso file to the USB flash drive.
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4
Reboot your computer and open BIOS setup. Depending on your computer manufacturer, you'll need to tap either "F2," "Delete" or another key while the system is starting up to open this (the proper key is usually displayed on the first screen that appears when the system is powered up).
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Find the "Boot" section of your BIOS setup. The list here tells your computer in what order it should check devices for bootable files. Usually the first item in the list is your computer's hard drive. Move your USB flash drive up on the list until it is the first item. Reboot again.
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Follow the instructions for installing Linux Mint that appear on screen. You can also just run the operating system from the USB flash drive.
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Tips & Warnings
Unless you're always planning to boot from your USB drive, it's best to switch back to having your hard drive as the first boot option.
