this post was submitted on 22 Jun 2023
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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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How to install Linux on a USB without deleting the old bootloader? (lemmygrad.ml)
submitted 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) by silent_clash@lemmygrad.ml to c/linux@lemmy.ml
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I just tried installing Ubuntu Budgie spin on a USB and it seemingly deleted/replaced my Linux Mint bootloader from an internal drive so I could no longer boot Mint without plugging in the Ubuntu USB. When I tried to boot from the Mint drive I just got a blank Grub prompt instead of a list of kernels.

Thankfully I was able to reverse this using Timeshift.

How do you avoid this? I didn't see any relevant options in the Live USB install process. And I have had similar problems like this before.

The behavior I want is to have two standalone Linux bootloaders on separate drives. I suppose I could just disconnect all system drives during install so that the Ubuntu install process can't fuck with it...

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[–] silent_clash@lemmygrad.ml 0 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (1 children)

But that's a live environment that doesn't save anything you install, right? That's not what I want.

I can't even install Nvidia drivers permanently which means I can't actually "try" it properly. The generic drivers/nomodeset can't run high refresh rate so I can't see how laggy it does or does not feel.

Based on what you're saying, I guess the only way to not remove the old bootloader would be to physically disconnect the other Linux system drive while it installs. Because having to use the USB to load the local system is really really not ideal.

Edit: I learned you can make a live usb with persistent storage which lets you install and update programs. However, there are limitations.

  1. No password or security unless it's Tails or something
  2. Still cannot install extra drivers.
  3. Takes longer to boot
  4. You can never do a major upgrade like updating the kernel without burning a brand new live environment.