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I think I'd better apologize right away for probably kind of stupid questions, I'm a real beginner when it comes to Linux or basically setting up operating systems at all. Or, even computer stuff beyond using it to write or browse the internet... However, I'm willing to learn and since my way is trying out and I have a netbook I hardly use (HP mini 210-1000), I want to give it a try; there's nothing to lose (except my dignity ;-))

So far I'm under the impression that I should try out lubuntu and I have a USB stick I can use for booting. I've been looking for download links and I wonder if I can use any of the lubuntu 13.10 32 bit links or do I have to observe some details if I don't want to burn it on CD but use the USB? For example, there is a link that says "standard image disc" and one that says "torrent file". Looking up "torrent file" and finding out that it has something to do with metadata has not really been helpful.

K7AAY
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sonja
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3 Answers3

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So far I'm under the impression that I should try out lubuntu and I have a USB stick I can use for booting.

You could also consider Xubuntu if Lubuntu comes up short. It uses the xfce desktop instead of the LMDE desktop and its apps and utilities are slightly more feature-ful.

I've been looking for download links and I wonder if I can use any of the lubuntu 13.10 32 bit links or do I have to observe some details if I don't want to burn it on CD but use the USB?

Same download for USB vs DVD vs CD, alla same same.

For example, there is a link that says "standard image disc" and one that says "torrent file". Looking up "torrent file" and finding out that it has something to do with metadata has not really been helpful.

A 'torrent' download uses the Bittorrent system where, once your machine downloads part of a file, it also uploads that to other folks seeking that file on Bittorrent. Wikipedia explains that in greater detail. You will likely finish the download more rapidly with a torrent IF you have a torrent client on the downloading machine, but it certainly is not required, and downloading the standard image is AOK.

K7AAY
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If you want to boot an Ubuntu environment from a external hard drive, LinuxLiveUSB is a highly recommended software. They are also very good documentation on setting it up (shouldn't take more than 30 minutes).

afang
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To install Ubuntu via USB stick, without burning a dvd, just download a standard ISO (an image containing the Operating System) and then use some tool to make a bootable USB with your new Linux on it, ready to be booted and tried/installed. Some links for you:

link for Lubuntu 32bit:
http://cdimage.ubuntu.com/lubuntu/releases/13.10/release/lubuntu-13.10-desktop-i386.iso

and the one of the most useful tool to create a bootable USB pen drive with your favorite Linux distribution - Unetbootin for windows:
http://unetbootin.sourceforge.net/unetbootin-windows-latest.exe

Fist of all, plug your USB pen drive.

Once opened Unetbootin, click on the "disk image" little button (left side of the window) and then on the [...], the three dots button on the left.
Now browse for your downloaded ISO file, choose it, click OK on the main window and wait for the whole process to end.

One of the advantages about using Unetbootin is that if the pendrive has sufficient free space, you don't have to format it, but you can have both your personal data and your Linux distribution for a live boot.

On completion, before rebooting the PC, be sure to set the BIOS to boot from the removable/USB drive, and not from the Windows partition. Most importantly, read something about the partitioning tool integrated with Ubuntu, and on how to install Windows and Linux side by side (it's really simple when you get the basics).

Good luck.

dentex
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