Can I run mint Linux from an external drive?

andrewta@lemmy.world to No Stupid Questions@lemmy.world – 34 points –

I know, I can create a live CD of Linux, I know I also can create a bootable Linux installation on a jump drive. I’m curious is can I actually do a full install of mint Linux on an external drive and actually run it that way. When I say run it I mean actually add packages remove packages, etc. i’m asking because I have a currently working Windows 10 computer. And until I really understand Linux especially how to properly install it. I prefer not to screw something up on a working system. I figured install it to an external Drive and then just tell the bios, don’t boot the windows drive just boot into the external Drive.

Would this actually work?

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Yes. That would be the same as a persistent USB drive. Just plug in the external drive, run the live CD installed in your USB drive and install Linux Mint on the external drive instead.

How big of a thumb drive do I need for the iso file? The website doesn't say.

Website

It said put the iso file onto the thumb drive then install the os from there, but the problem is they don't say how big of a drive is needed.

Live CDs are mostly about 1gb in size. Get a 4gb+ thumb drive just to be safe.