Can somebody explain the mysteries of IT to me

Jack, this Linux installation program for the flash drive must have been around for a while. I guess at the time a 4GB stick was the ultimate. So the guy who developed the program just tuned it to the sticks of the time.

What I did now is to use the extra space for a second partition - like a data partition. And since that can be seen by the Linux on the stick, I can use it for storage and get at it from Linux. On my 120GB stick that is more than 100GBs, so ample storage.

If you always operate on the same PC, that is not really required because you can get at all partitions that are installed on that PC. You can even use those partitions to store or retrieve data from the Linux system. However, if you want to use the Linux on the stick on several different PCs, then you need the data that you want to carry around on that same stick.

Let us see if I understand what you are saying.
Linux would install on a large stick but wouldn't let you use the left over space.

You solved that problem by making partitions on the stick.
You made one partition that suited Linus size demands on the stick and then you made other partitions to suit your needs and desires.

Example I think. (One large memory stick)
Linux on partition (A) which is used to access the host computer.
Other programs of your choice on partition (B)
Then in partition (C) you could save things you retrieved off the host computer.

It's even simpler.

Partition A is where the Linux system lives.

Partition B that I created is a data partition where I can store my user files so that I have them when I boot into another system.

For data recovery I would attach another external disk or stick to which I would copy the data that I recover. But it would be possible to store it in partition B if that is big enough.

So once Linux is happy with it's partition you can do just about anything you desire with the rest of the space on the stick.

Right. I just made a little recording to show you what this all about. I will post it when it's ready uploading to Youtube - maybe in an hour or so.

Jack, here is the promised video that should eplain the second partition on the stick a little better.

Nice video.
You were just booted with the Lexus stick is that correct? e.g. Windows was not booted at the same time.

If the Linux stick was the only thing booted can you access the internet?

Can you also boot Windows 7 and then and boot the Linux stick and run them at the same time so you don't have to use Vmware on your Windows 7 drive.

I hope that isn't to many questions.
I'm looking for more greatness from you.
With your knowledge and daring hooked up with my dumb questions a great thing could be coming together.

1. Yes I was only booted with the stick
2. Mint Mate is an OS like any other. Access to the internet is as usual.
3. I cannot boot Windows 7 at the same time. But I can access all partitions/folders and files of Windows 7 amd all devices that are attached to the PC.

Don't worry Jack. Those are no dumb questions. When you don't do that all day long like me, you have to wonder how that works - and I sometimes wonder too, LOL.

I will make more videos. They will be all wrapped into a tutorial - but that will still take a few days. Then you can make a Linux stick yourself. I'll PM you when the tut is posted.

Thanks Wolfgang. No hurry.