Installing OS with no drive on the PC

Shaye87 · 13 Sep 2008 at 19:55

Hi guys,
I got a 'server' computer that its IDE drive broke and I wouldn't spend any money on it.

Is there still a way to install Operating system on it? like booting an img or iso file from disk on key or external hd?

It's Linux that I want to install.

Cheers.

DaveBennett · 13 Sep 2008 at 20:27

Things like Linux can be run from the disk and it installs it temp on the ram. However, IDE small hard drives are so cheap new, and even cheaper second hand, i'd just buy a new one.

Dave

Shaye87 · 13 Sep 2008 at 20:32

I didn't ask for prices thankyouverymuch.

So is it possible or not for me to install Linux (Ubuntu) without any drive? that's what I need to know.

DaveBennett · 13 Sep 2008 at 20:39

As I said, yes, forgive me if this isnt exactly right, but I know you can. Simply just put the disk in, and run it from the disk. I think it installs it onto the RAM. However, whenever you reboot, you have to reset it up again, and any work you do/save during the time, will be lost as soon as you reboot unless you save it to removable media or w/e. Also, im not 100% sure but I think it will run slower when running from disk that from a HD.

Dave

Kalsius · 13 Sep 2008 at 20:42

As Dave said, you can run many different Linux distros from Live CD, however any config/changes you make in the running image are lost when you reboot. You could use a usb stick to save your config files to but then it can get a bit messy. I'd get a cheap IDE drive and save the bother.