Ubuntu server live usb

Question

I want to create customized usb live .iso based on ubuntu-16.04.1-server-amd64.iso. I've seen this guide for desktop edition, but for some reason /casper directory is missing in server installation image. There is another article customizing from scratch, but it requires Host system to be installed first. Is there any way to create ubuntu-server live image without installing it?

Solution 1

We are creating a live server for 18.04 LTS that will enable simpler installation in the common cases, but also be generally useful for everyday testing. See http://cdimage.ubuntu.com/ubuntu-server/daily-live/current/ for the current build, bugs and comments welcome.

Solution 2

There is no true "Live" option on Server editions (they don't have a "Try Ubuntu" option in boot menu). I think they are built only with installations in mind.

Also usually most Linux default liveCD/DVD editions refer only to their desktop variants. See this answer.

To achieve your goal i'll suggest making the LiveCD from scartch (not starting from existing LiveCD) following the instructions you already linked.

To do this, you need a linux host (it's a base and inevitable requirement). If you can't install on a true PC, i'll suggest doing it inside a virtual machine (maybe with VirtualBox o you preferred hypervisor) to make the LiveCD iso from there.

Hope it helps.

UPDATE:

I discovered a simple wizard to create ubuntu ISOs it's called Cubic and maybe worths a try. More info.

Comments

[chj1axr0]

Have a look here, may help

[MorisK]

currently I have customized installation iso based on ubuntu server (as it quiet lightweight), it has some custom deb packages, installing via preseed process. Image building is fully automated and takes as input original ubuntu-server.iso, modifies with bunch of scripts and outputs my custom image. Now I want to include "Try without insalling" option in my boot menu, which should boot a system with the same preinstalled packages as installable version.

[sudodus]

Am I correct: You have made a custom iso file already, and now you want it to run as a live system, not only as an installer. Maybe these links will help you to create a live system without an installer: help.ubuntu.com/community/9w/Manual and willhaley.com/blog/create-a-custom-debian-live-environment

[sudodus]

Interesting new iso file :-) There is a new interface instead of the old debian installer. But I cannot run it live, only as an installer. I tried both in UEFI mode and BIOS mode.

[Him]

"They don't have a 'try ubuntu' option"... this sucks. It is not the case that the only use for a live boot from usb is to 'try out' ubuntu. In fact, I would argue that that is not a use case for the live boot option at all, and anyone who uses it to "try out" ubuntu is going to be sorely disappointed with a slower-than-molasses pile of sadness.

[Morphed]

I've been unable to run this live, it only functions as an installer. I'm going to have a go at creating one from scratch as per the links in the OP.