How to Boot Linux from a USB Drive on a Mac

When you want to test out different Linux distributions or troubleshoot your computer, having a bootable Linux USB drive can be incredibly handy. The process of creating one is relatively straightforward, especially if you have a Mac.

To start, you'll need an ISO file for the Linux distribution you want to install. Once you have that, you can use a variety of tools to create a bootable USB drive. One popular option is Unetbootin, which can automatically download a Linux distro if you don't already have one. While the success rate of images created using this app is poor, it's still a good option if you're new to creating bootable USB drives.

Another alternative is Rufus, an open-source tool that's available on GitHub. This app is a bit more technical than Unetbootin, but it's also highly customizable and can be used on both Macs and PCs.

If you prefer a command-line method, Canonical recommends using the `dd` command to create a bootable USB drive with Ubuntu on Mac OS X. The process is involved, but the instructions are concise.

For those who prefer a more user-friendly approach, Linux Live USB Creator is an excellent option. This free and open-source app is incredibly straightforward to use and can be downloaded for Windows or Mac.

Why Create a Bootable Linux USB Drive?

Creating a bootable Linux USB drive can be useful in several ways. For one, it allows you to test hardware compatibility before committing to a full install. Live images are also a great way to troubleshoot your computer without having to reinstall the operating system.

With Ubuntu 16.04 LTS inching closer to release, now is a good time to recap how easy it is to make an bootable Ubuntu USB drive on your Mac. By following these simple steps and using one of the tools mentioned above, you can have a bootable Linux USB drive up and running in no time.

Remember

When booting from a USB drive on a Mac, be sure to hold down the Alt/Option key during startup to access the USB drive. With a bit of practice, you'll be creating bootable Linux USB drives like a pro in no time!

Boot linux from usb mac