Encounter issues starting Ubuntu? System fails to boot properly.
Encounter issues starting Ubuntu? System fails to boot properly.
When starting from a USB drive, it won't affect files stored on a hard drive.
@Glitchy Guy mentioned that after connecting the DVD drive, only then could I select a USB device. This indicates the system isn’t identifying your optical drive. Recommendation — obtain the MATE Mint ISO from a nearby mirror using a version from kernel.org in the USA. I downloaded linuxmint-20.3-mate-64bit.iso from a mirror and placed it in my Downloads folder. In the terminal, I ran <lsblk> and confirmed the drive was recognized as /dev/sdb. The USB stick is formatted for Ventoy, so I proceeded to format it with FAT32. First, I unmounted the drive, then formatted it using <sudo mkfs.vfat /dev/sdb>. After that, navigated to the Downloads folder and used <sudo dd> to copy the ISO file onto the USB. The process took some time depending on your machine. Once complete, the terminal output confirmed the ISO was successfully written. Now you have a bootable USB ready for installation without needing additional tools like Rufus or Ventoy.
TorC's explanation is something I rarely do, having completed more than fifty setups. From what I understand, all the guides are meant for a functional Linux system, which isn’t available to me. Why format the USB stick? We’re copying an ISO file onto it. Personally, I prefer installing Mint Cinnamon because it offers simpler setup choices compared to MATE. Yes, we do have MATE on an older laptop, so I’ve used it and Xcfe. If you have a working Linux installation, just right-click the ISO in the folder where you’re burning it—one of the menu options will say “Create bootable USB.” It’s that straightforward. No need to type commands in Terminal mode.
@RollyShed — It seems Gen Z and most young adults avoid terminal commands. This might reflect a deliberate choice or perhaps a lack of interest. The real strength of our operating system lies here, yet many seem reluctant to engage. To each their own... but it feels like a conscious decision.
Why not rely on Terminal? It’s not essential. I can demonstrate to over 30 users who are unaware of it. They treat their computers as instruments for tasks, not as objects to disrupt. These devices serve purposes like drafting documents, managing spreadsheets, finding data, chatting, enjoying music, learning an instrument, designing structures, editing audio, and manipulating images—none of which demand Terminal expertise. Regarding Gen Z and young adults, none fall into that age range; they’re all highly capable, with the oldest likely around 85. I’m familiar with Terminal through my long-term experience using Linux, primarily on a Mint system for more than a decade.