USB to Go environment?

[SandLake]

I have a PC which I would like to install an OS on, typically a router OS just to try them out. The PC has a small MSata drive.

I'm thinking I could use a USB stick to create a live OS environment where I could install/copy accross an iso file.

I'm not too familiar with Linux but I think that is the way to go - any helpful suggestions?

 

[SandLake]

That lkooks good - but then what OS to run on the stick that would allow me to create a bootable image on the internal mSata drive, something comparable to Rufus?