Make a SLAX Bootable USB from Windows

How to make a SLAX Bootable USB. Running Linux from a USB drive provides flexibility, portability, and a great way to test or troubleshoot systems without altering your hard drive. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of creating a SLAX bootable USB using YUMI from Windows or in Linux (via WINE).

SLAX is a compact, lightweight Linux distribution based on Slackware. Its modularity, portability, and persistent storage support make it an excellent choice for users who want a fully functional Linux environment that can be carried on a USB flash drive.

Portable SLAX Bootable USB

SLAX Specifications

• Distribution Home Page: slax.org
• Developer: Tomas Matejicek
• Minimum Flash Drive Capacity: 256 MB
• First Release Date: 2003
• Persistence Feature: Yes

What is SLAX Linux?

SLAX is a lightweight, modular Linux distribution based on Slackware. The name “SLAX” combines "Slackware" with "X" (representing the X Window System, a graphical user interface used in Unix-like operating systems). SLAX can run as a live CD or a live USB, allowing users to experience a fully functional Linux system without installation.

Key Features of SLAX

• Modularity: SLAX uses a modular system, allowing users to add or remove software easily. Each module is a compressed filesystem image containing specific software packages.
• Portability: Designed to be run directly from USB drives, SD cards, or CD/DVDs without the need for a traditional hard drive installation.
• Persistence: Supports persistent storage, meaning you can save settings, files, and configurations between reboots.
• Slackware-Based: Inherits the stability and simplicity of Slackware while offering an easier way to create a portable Linux system.

Requirements to Create a Portable SLAX

To create a bootable SLAX USB, you'll need:

• A USB drive (recommended: a fast SSD based thumb drive for better performance)
• The latest SLAX ISO file
• YUMI Multiboot USB Creator
• A Windows PC or Linux system (with WINE) for installation

How to Make a SLAX Bootable USB

SLAX is typically distributed as a compressed tar file for extraction onto a USB stick. However, to enable multi-boot functionality and allow other distributions alongside SLAX, we will use YUMI to create the bootable USB. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Download and Run YUMI

1. Download and launch the YUMI Multiboot USB Boot Tool.
   (1.) Select your USB drive from the drop list and check the box to prepare the drive.
   (2.) From the distribution drop down menu, choose SLAX.
   (3.) Browse to and select your downloaded SLAX ISO file.
   (4.) Click Create to begin the process.

Step 2: Booting SLAX from USB

Once YUMI completes the installation, follow these steps to boot SLAX from your USB drive:

1. Reboot your computer.
2. During startup, enter your system BIOS or UEFI by pressing the designated hotkey (usually F2, F12, DEL, or ESC).
3. Locate the Boot Order settings and set your USB drive as the first boot device.
4. Save changes and exit (press F10 to confirm).
5. Your system will now boot from the USB drive.
6. At the boot menu, select SLAX and start using your portable Linux environment.

Final Thoughts

Creating a SLAX bootable USB is an easy and efficient way to have a fully functional yet tiny Slackware based Linux system on the go. Whether you're using it for troubleshooting, testing, or just as a portable OS, SLAX offers a flexible and lightweight solution. That concludes how to boot SLAX from USB.