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I would like to create a Live-USB-Stick with a minimal OS (Linux if possible) that has Firefox installed (and can run and update it). The aim is to use the system (nearly) read-only to do confidential browsing (like shopping, banking etc.). When I only put the stick into the computer when no other OS is running it sould be safer then operating from a daily used and experimental OS.

  • A 512 MB Stick should be sufficient.
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Thanks to all answers. I think there was no reason to close this thread, but well... My solution now is Slax, a friend told me about it. – user905686 Sep 9 '11 at 10:40
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closed as not constructive by DragonLord, Sathya♦ Sep 8 '11 at 4:31

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2 Answers

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I suggest you to take a look at Arch Linux, a complete custom Linux system. Arch gives you a compiled Linux kernel with some tools like the packet manager, the rest is up to you to build. You may use it to install a minimal desktop environment and Firefox as the only things. It is very good documented and has a big community, also the packet manager is easy to use, so installing and updating your software will be easy with it. Arch is a bleeding-edge distribution, so you will always have the most up to date software with it. The repository's are big and well maintained. I use the system on my netbook and I found any information I needed in the wiki.

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Yeah, I like Arch, also have it installed on my main computer but at the moment I use Ubuntu (still Linux beginner, though learning ;) ). Are you sure you can get an Arch installation on about 400MB? What would you suggest, X + which WM? – user905686 Sep 7 '11 at 13:53
The basic Arch installation on my netbook was about ~280MB, so this should not be a problem. For the WM I would suggest xfce4, because it is has very low hardware consumption and is easy to use (also it is fully customizable). For you live system you may edit the startup srkipt of xfce so that it starts firefox when you boot the system. – Michael K Sep 7 '11 at 14:00
Ok, but which ISO should I Take? Atm I am trying archlinux.org/iso/2011.08.19/… but even that is more then 300MB! – user905686 Sep 8 '11 at 10:36
You should use the netinstall image image to install the system on you usb device. The image may be bigger than the finished system, because it may contain some packages you won't install. – Michael K Sep 8 '11 at 10:47
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There are many Linux distros suitable for Flash installation.

For example PuppyLinux

How is Puppy Different?

  • Small size, ~100MB! This lends itself to some very useful and unique features.
  • 'Live' booting from CDs, DVDs, USB flash drives, and other portable media.
  • Runs from RAM, making it unusually fast even in old PCs and in netbooks with solid state storage media.
  • Very low minimum system requirements.
  • Boot time is well under a minute, 30-40 seconds in most systems.
  • Includes a wide range of applications: wordprocessors, spreadsheets, internet browsers, games, image editors and many utilities. Extra software in the form of dotpets. There is a GUI Puppy Software Installer included.
  • Puppy is easy to use and little technical knowledge is assumed. Most hardware is automatically detected.

For a long list see PenDriveLinux

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I Think I already tried Puppy, but it is outdated and I don't know if it was possible to update Firefox... – user905686 Sep 8 '11 at 10:37
I haven't used it. The download site says "Lucid Puppy 5.2.8 (released August 17, 2011):". Did the PetGet package manager not have the latest FireFox? The PenDriveLinux link has recipes for Ubuntu – RedGrittyBrick Sep 8 '11 at 10:59
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