Seeking Step-by-Step Guide for Full Linux Installation on a USB Drive

If you're bent on using a USB flash drive, consider tweaking the journaling settings as it can hinder performance. Different computers may also name their network interfaces differently, so be prepared for potential network access issues. I’d recommend Antix if you’re focused on low resource usage; it’s more geared towards your use case and less demanding on the system.

Honestly, a 16GB capacity can make usability tough, especially for someone new to Linux. Ideally, you'd want more space, but if you're sticking with it, use something like Antix—it’s designed to work efficiently on smaller drives. I once set up a persistent distro on a phone with similar limitations, so it’s possible, but sticking to the essentials is key. Just keep in mind the durability factor with flash drives!

Here's a step-by-step process for installing Linux on your USB:

1. Unplug all other drives or disable them in BIOS to avoid any mistakes.
2. Insert your Live Installer USB and the Target USB (which is your 16GB drive).
3. Boot up the Live USB in UEFI mode and choose to install on the Target USB.
4. Let the installer handle auto-partitioning.

Recommended distro for this is MX Linux; it's based on Debian and has nice tools for flexibility. Just a heads-up, though: a full install on just 16GB might be a bit tight, so consider a USB SSD if that’s an option for you!

Using a 16GB USB drive is doable, but keep your installations minimal to avoid overcrowding. Flash drives aren't meant for continuous writes, so they can wear out quickly. If you want a safer setup, consider using a virtual machine for the installation process. Load the ISO in a virtual CD drive and pass your USB through to it. This way, you won't risk erasing something on your main drive. After installation, ensure you add a bootloader like rEFInd to boot smoothly from other computers.

I've learned from experience that using typical USB thumb drives for a full installation can be risky—they don't last long under heavy usage. For a 16GB drive, you might run into storage issues fast. I suggest looking into a portable SSD instead since they’re more durable and offer better performance. Plus, if you're planning to use the USB on various hardware, be aware that differences in drivers can cause some challenges, like networking issues. Finding a distro that works well across different machines can take some testing.