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    If I run Ubuntu from a USB, Can I erase Ubuntu after and use the USB normally?

    Discussion in 'Linux Compatibility and Software' started by Steven, Jan 27, 2013.

  1. Steven

    Steven God Amongst Mere Mortals

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    I'd like to try running Ubuntu on my laptop by putting it on a USB and I know all of my data will be erased but my question is, once I make my decision as to whether or not I want to keep Ubuntu, can I delete the ISO from my USB and use the USB like I normally would?
     
    Steven, Jan 27, 2013
    #1
  2. killkenny1

    killkenny1 Too weird to live, too rare to die.

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    Yes. Just reformat it again.
     
    killkenny1, Jan 27, 2013
    #2
  3. SHEEPMAN!

    SHEEPMAN! Freelance

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    Assuming by USB we mean pen drive, thumb drive etc.
    Linux LiveCD (or USB)will load and run in system RAM. When you turn it off it's gone with no effect on hard drive.....other than what you did. (it's possible to modify files on the hdd from the USB/LinuxLive)

    Your main question is yes. USB can be deleted or formatted.

    If you want to try the linux distro for a while, dual boot on loading. Linux will do the partioning and install a menu. You lose no data as it stands now.

    G'luck.
     
    SHEEPMAN!, Jan 27, 2013
    #3
  4. Steven

    Steven God Amongst Mere Mortals

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    How do I reformat it?
     
    Steven, Jan 27, 2013
    #4
  5. tijo

    tijo Sacred Blame

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    Boot into an OS, right click and chose format or use the disk management utility in windows or whatever replaces that in the OS you're using if you're not on Windows.
     
    tijo, Jan 27, 2013
    #5
  6. Qing Dao

    Qing Dao Notebook Deity

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    You don't even need to reformat it, just simply deleting the files will work as well.
     
    Qing Dao, Jan 27, 2013
    #6
  7. Primes

    Primes Notebook Deity

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    For installing and running linux from a USB flash drive I recommend:

    http://www.linuxliveusb.com
    -or-
    http://unetbootin.sourceforge.net

    just download the linux .iso of your choice, run the program and it will ask some questions and do the rest.
    then just boot your computer from the flash drive and you will be running linux with nothing installed or changed on your hard drive.
    This is a great way to test out many linux distros to see if you like them.

    linuxliveusb is for windows, unetbootin runs in either windows or linux.

    linux flash drives are formatted in "Fat" format so you can easily wipe them from within windows too.
     
    Primes, Jan 28, 2013
    #7
  8. fizikz

    fizikz Notebook Consultant

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    You don't need to do anything to keep using it as a "normal" USB flash drive. Just plug it in and it should work. The .iso and other files on the USB flash drive just take up space but do not change its functionality. As mentioned above, once you're done installing/trying linux, you can just delete the files or reformat the flash drive to reclaim that space.
     
    fizikz, Jan 29, 2013
    #8