this post was submitted on 21 Dec 2025
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Just checking: are you aware that you can try Linux on your machine without installing it? You can use Balena Etcher to write a disc image (.ISO) to any flash drive (that's the one catch: you must own a flash drive), and plug it in, have the PC boot from the flash drive instead of its own internal parts, and test-drive Linux entirely in it.
Alternatively, you could run it in a virtual machine via Oracle VirtualBox, which is free, last I checked.
I had not known that I could use/test-out without downloading.
I have been thinking of installing both & chosing to keep the one I like best, because Microsoft Windows forced downloaded to my machine, buy family member buy both Framework 12 LT & Windows.
Yes, you can try a copy of Linux from a USB flash drive and then shut down the computer, pull out the drive, and boot right back into Windows as if nothing had ever happened. The installation process is typically a desktop icon on the Linux distro; if you don't touch that icon, then it's all temporary. Glad to be of help!
Okay, that sounds awesome, but I have three-questions. 1st. Is it the same for Mint version? 2nd. Can test out/actually use The Linux Mint or Distro version, then backup it all, remove the same thumb drive & it is as if nothing occurred? & 3rd. Can I save both OSs’ files to same thumb drive & still do 2nd. question?