Live USB or install: which should you choose?
Many Linux USB drives can do two things: run the system straight from the USB (live mode), or install it onto the computer's disk.
Live mode
- Lets you try the system without changing the computer's disk.
- Is usually slower than an installed system, because it runs from the USB.
- Does not normally keep your changes unless the USB has been set up for that.
Installing
- Puts the system on the computer's disk, so it starts faster and keeps your files and settings.
- Can erase or change what is on the disk, so back up first.
- Can sit beside Windows in a dual-boot setup, which needs careful partitioning.
A sensible approach is to try live mode first, then install if you like it. If you are not sure how to start, read how to boot from a USB drive.