Install STUX Linux to a USB Flash Drive

Create a STUX Bootable USB Flash Drive using the Live CD: STUX Linux is a unique Linux distribution that combines the robustness of Slackware Linux 11.0 packages with the powerful hardware detection of Knoppix 5.0.1. Ideal for system administrators, developers, and Linux enthusiasts, STUX supports a wide range of hardware, including graphics cards, sound cards, USB devices, and SCSI peripherals. Additionally, it comes preloaded with popular software such as Apache and PHP, making it suitable for local web development environments.

STUX Linux Running from a USB Flash Drive

STUX Linux features the KDE desktop environment and offers a collection of distinctive Gothic-themed desktop wallpapers. With built-in support for USB installation via a Live CD, it’s easy to make a STUX bootable USB drive using the provided tools.

stux desktop

As Mark, a Pendrivelinux subscriber, highlighted, the STUX Live CD includes a convenient USB installation script that simplifies the creation of a bootable flash drive.

How to Create a STUX Linux Bootable USB Drive

  1. Download the STUX Linux ISO and burn it to a CD.
  2. Insert the Live CD into your PC and boot from it.
  3. Plug in your USB flash drive (ensure all important data is backed up).
  4. Open the S "STUX Control Center" and navigate to:
    Setup > Live CD > Install STUX > Install on USB Key
    stux control center
  5. Select your target USB device from the list and click "OK" to begin installation. Warning: This will erase all data on the USB drive.
    installing stux to the usb flash drive
  6. Allow the STUX USB installation script to complete.
    stux performing install to usb
  7. When finished, close the installer and reboot the system.
  8. Remove the Live CD and restart your PC.
  9. Enter the BIOS setup utility and set the system to boot from USB. Save and exit (typically F10).
  10. Boot into STUX Linux directly from your USB flash drive.

Enable Persistence on STUX Bootable USB

To retain changes and save data across reboots, you can configure the persistence feature of STUX Linux. This allows your portable STUX USB to function more like a full Linux installation.

  1. Reboot into STUX Linux from the USB flash drive.
  2. Open the S "STUX Control Center" and go to:
    Setup > Live CD > Save Persistent Configuration
    stux control panel2
  3. Choose your USB flash drive partition and drag the slider to allocate space for the persistent image. Click "Save" to complete.
    stux persistent

After rebooting, your changes—including saved files, browser history, and system preferences—will persist across sessions.

Final Thoughts

STUX Linux offers a powerful and flexible environment in a portable format. Whether you're using it for system recovery, testing hardware, or just want a fully functional Linux desktop on a USB stick, STUX is a great option. With its built-in tools and Live CD USB installer, creating a bootable STUX USB flash drive with persistence is both fast and easy.

Try STUX today and take your Linux workspace wherever you go!