this post was submitted on 12 Feb 2024
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Installing Kubuntu but too small USB (lemmy.world)
submitted 7 months ago by [email protected] to c/linuxquestions
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I feel stupid, but I want to install Kubuntu, as a dual boot for my windows 10 PC. I am a total rookie with linux. Maybe even less than rookie. I have 3 Flash usb sticks, but one of them seems broken, and the two others too small. I also have a USB card reader, where I can put an SD card in but I don't seem to be able to boot from that.

I also tried a trick with Unetbootin, but windows wouldn't let me boot from that either, even though it gave me the option to, on restart.

My question is, can I install a smaller version of Kubuntu from my 3,8Gb usb stick and upgrade to the newest version later, after it has been installed? I am not totally locked to Kubuntu, but I think that i have read that its the best version for beginners. I will easilly be convinved to another version though, if you guys think its better

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

Total rookie with Linux ? Fine, remember to make backups!

You can go for a smaller Ubuntu installation like the mini iso [warning : this is current and not a release] or server install (2GB iso). Then after the installation open a terminal, or in the virtual console, type in :

sudo apt install kubuntu-desktop

The kubuntu-desktop is a so-called meta package which will install Kubuntu (In fact, you can have Xubuntu, Lubuntu, Kubuntu and Ubuntu all in one computer, and choose between them at the graphical login screen, but beware that the different screen saver software may conflict, and maybe there is more to be aware of).

After that is all installed, reboot and try it.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago) (1 children)

Unetbootin almost never works for me.

Try using Rufus or Etcher.

https://rufus.ie/en/

https://etcher.balena.io/

You'll need to be aware of the difference between legacy and UEFI mode possibly in order to boot.

I would suggest the LTS version of kubuntu.

Edit: I don't believe they have a smaller network installer. The dollar store has large drives in my area.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 7 months ago (1 children)

I know that my system is UEFI as checking this was part of the installation instructions (I believe) . I'll check out the two alternatives that you mentioned. Thanks!

[–] [email protected] 2 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

If you find you must have a smaller installer, I've had pretty good success with the network installer for openSUSE but kubuntu offers a better out of the box experience.

https://get.opensuse.org/leap/15.5/

Edit: just make sure you select KDE as your window manager if you go this path.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 7 months ago (1 children)

I recommend finding a smaller distro, unless you want to jump through some extra hoops. Maybe Manjaro plasma desktop minimal would be a good place to start. If you want to stick with Ubuntu Xubuntu looks like it's 3Gb.

Also, consider that USB flash drives are super cheap these days, it may be worth it to you to buy a larger one.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 7 months ago

yeah I think that i'll just wait a few days until I get to buy a larger USB. It's just that I live pretty rural, and can't just grab one, so if there were alternatives, it would have been a quick workaround

[–] possiblylinux127 1 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) (1 children)

I know that money and resources in some places are tight but for me I was able to buy a 128gb USB 3 drive for only a few USD. If you can afford a disk that's bigger you can then install Ventroy to the drive which will allow you to just copy ISOs to the disk instead of flashing them.

Alternatively you also could choose a distro that has a ISO that's a bit smaller. For instance, Linux mints ISO is just slightly over 2gb in size for the cinnamon edition.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Thanks! I'll keep an eye out for some a new stick. I just keep forgetting to get one when I'm out shopping! I may just end up adding one in my amazon shopping cart and have it shipped next time a place an order

[–] possiblylinux127 1 points 6 months ago

I personally bought mine from Walmart