How to install linux on a USB drive?

[Guest]

I have a 16GB USB that I want to put Linux on, I want it so that all my changes save and don't reset when I reload it. How do I do this?

 

[skittle]

Two options. Run as livecd/liveusb and enable "persistence" mode.

Install to the USB like you would a HDD.
If you do this be sure to read ssd optimization guide to get optimal performance
https://wiki.debian.org/SSDOptimization

 

[sulumordna]

If you are using Ubuntu unetbootin gives you the option to set aside space for this purpose. Skittle's method works well too, for non-Ubuntu GNU/Linux.

 

[Juhele]

I would add another possibility. Use an PC and disconnect HDD(s). Then boot linux from DVD, connect your 16GB USB and start installation. Your usb drive will be the only possible storage media for installation so you cannot do mistake. All the files and also the Grub bootloader will be installed on this usb drive.

Unlike Windows this Linux installation will still be portable and will boot on other PCs. Did exactly the same with my SDHC card and 32bit Lubuntu 13.10 and it kept all my changes, data and also updates worked without problems.

PS: used an laptop with Intel graphics so I do not know if there were problems in case of using nVidia chipset PC instead...