Puppy Linux

Ray · Jan 16, 2009, 15:08:06

Just come across an article in the latest issue of Custom PC about this it is a version of Linux that will create and run from a bootable usb flash drive and will fit on a 128mb drive. I have just downloaded it from here and installed it onto a 512mb flash drive and I am currently trying it out so far it does indeed work as described.

I can see potential uses for it in troubleshooting and recovering broken Windows installations as it gives you access to all your drives and windows files etc.

Rik · Jan 16, 2009, 15:10:01

Thanks, Ray.

Sebby · Jan 16, 2009, 23:14:06

Similar to a live CD, though potentially more convenient.

Rik · Jan 17, 2009, 11:24:04

If I find any live CDs, I spray them with disinfectant...

Sebby · Jan 17, 2009, 12:34:17

Rik · Jan 17, 2009, 12:39:02

Sebby · Jan 17, 2009, 12:40:10

Simon · Jan 17, 2009, 13:28:05

Quote from: Rik on Jan 17, 2009, 11:24:04
If I find any live CDs, I spray them with disinfectant...

I just wish they'd remove the crowd noises.

Rik · Jan 17, 2009, 13:31:36

I know what you mean...

Sebby · Jan 17, 2009, 15:25:30

Quote from: Simon on Jan 17, 2009, 13:28:05
I just wish they'd remove the crowd noises.

One for you too...

Simon · Jan 17, 2009, 15:27:10

JB · Jan 18, 2009, 16:35:10

Quote from: Sheltieuk on Jan 16, 2009, 15:08:06
I can see potential uses for it in troubleshooting and recovering broken Windows installations as it gives you access to all your drives and windows files etc.

Ray, can you give any pointers as to how to make a USB memory stick bootable. I would love to try the small Linux out. Thanks.

Ray · Jan 18, 2009, 17:20:48

Quote from: 6jb on Jan 18, 2009, 16:35:10
Ray, can you give any pointers as to how to make a USB memory stick bootable. I would love to try the small Linux out. Thanks.

Yes, you need to download the ISO file first then burn it to a CD, then you boot your computer from this CD and allow the linux OS to load, then click the Start button and select Puppy Universal Installer from the Setup Menu, this will then walk you through the install to your usb drive, this is made bootable as part of the install. If you want any more detailed instruction PM me and I will PM you the full instructions.

JB · Jan 18, 2009, 17:23:52

Thanks very much Ray. Appreciated.

I'll give it a go and you have given me the basis to start from. I'll call if I get stuck but am hopeful that I can do it with your info.

Cheers.

Ray · Jan 18, 2009, 17:30:10

Quote from: 6jb on Jan 18, 2009, 17:23:52
Thanks very much Ray. Appreciated.

I'll give it a go and you have given me the basis to start from. I'll call if I get stuck but am hopeful that I can do it with your info.

Cheers.

NP hope all goes well.

D-Dan · Jan 18, 2009, 22:26:27

Quote from: 6jb on Jan 18, 2009, 17:23:52
Thanks very much Ray. Appreciated.

I'll give it a go and you have given me the basis to start from. I'll call if I get stuck but am hopeful that I can do it with your info.

Cheers.

You may also need to install HP Drive Key Boot Utility. It's the only way I could get a flash drive to boot here.

It's a free download - so nothing lost if it doesn't work.

JB · Jan 19, 2009, 08:18:45

Quote from: D-Dan on Jan 18, 2009, 22:26:27
You may also need to install HP Drive Key Boot Utility.

Many thanks for the info.

Glenn · Jan 19, 2009, 08:33:18

There is a 'How to' here

Ray · Jan 19, 2009, 08:48:16

Quote from: D-Dan on Jan 18, 2009, 22:26:27
You may also need to install HP Drive Key Boot Utility. It's the only way I could get a flash drive to boot here.

It's a free download - so nothing lost if it doesn't work.

You don't need to use this, the Setup of the Puppy Linux to the USB drive does this for you and makes the drive bootable.

JB · Jan 19, 2009, 17:32:51

Got it working now Ray, many thanks. I have tried 3 USB sticks on 2 computers and only one of the sticks boots and then only on one of the computers. I think the other sticks may need a bit of 'help' in the booting dept as suggested earlier in the thread. I spent too much time on this today when I should have been decorating so no more time for me in the next week or so

I am very impressed with Puppy Linux. I was able to connect to the internet perfectly. The sound worked fine and the samba client allowed me to link to the shared Windows drives. As you said, all the files on the Windows (XP in my case) systems were visible and could have been recovered from a non booting system.

Excellent small distro!

Ray · Jan 20, 2009, 16:12:36

Pleased you got it working, JB, I've managed to get both my PCs and my Home Server to boot from the stick but had too do some tinkering with the BIOS settings on a couple of them to get the drive seen as a boot device.