Creating multiboot-capable USB sticks
Conclusions
The three tools described in this article create multiboot capable USB volumes reliably and easily. The user interfaces are largely self-explanatory, and the operating strategies for creating the removable media very similar. Differences are only noticeable in the details. Not all candidates let you test the multiboot media or downloaded images, and the way they handle persistent storage areas is awkward in some places. If you're looking for a USB multiboot utility, it is a good idea to consider the options and think about which features you really need. Table 1 shows a summary of important features.
Table 1
Multiboot Systems for USB Flash Storage
MultiBootUSB | MultiSystem | Ventoy |
|
---|---|---|---|
License |
GPLv2 |
GPLv3 |
GPLv3 |
Functions |
|||
Detect USB devices |
yes |
yes |
yes |
Delete images from USB devices |
yes |
yes |
yes |
Format USB devices |
no |
yes |
no |
Persistent storage support |
yes |
yes |
yes |
Adjust size of persistent storage |
yes |
yes |
yes |
Create simple bootable USB medium |
yes |
no |
no |
Edit Grub boot manager |
yes |
yes |
yes |
Automatic image download |
no |
yes |
no |
Test routines |
|||
Test multiboot-capable USB sticks |
yes |
yes |
no |
Test indivdiual images |
yes |
yes |
no |
Variants |
|||
Browser-based variant |
no |
no |
yes |
Live CD |
no |
no |
yes |
Infos
- Ventoy: https://www.ventoy.net
- Ventoy Secure Boot: https://www.ventoy.net/en/doc_secure.html
- Ventoy download: https://www.ventoy.net/en/download.html
- MultiBootUSB: https://sourceforge.net/projects/multibootusb/
- MultiSystem: http://liveusb.info/dotclear/
« Previous 1 2 3
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Red Hat Adds New Deployment Option for Enterprise Linux Platforms
Red Hat has re-imagined enterprise Linux for an AI future with Image Mode.
-
OSJH and LPI Release 2024 Open Source Pros Job Survey Results
See what open source professionals look for in a new role.
-
Proton 9.0-1 Released to Improve Gaming with Steam
The latest release of Proton 9 adds several improvements and fixes an issue that has been problematic for Linux users.
-
So Long Neofetch and Thanks for the Info
Today is a day that every Linux user who enjoys bragging about their system(s) will mourn, as Neofetch has come to an end.
-
Ubuntu 24.04 Comes with a “Flaw"
If you're thinking you might want to upgrade from your current Ubuntu release to the latest, there's something you might want to consider before doing so.
-
Canonical Releases Ubuntu 24.04
After a brief pause because of the XZ vulnerability, Ubuntu 24.04 is now available for install.
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.