Thanks a lot for your article! It has great contents! I have a problem with my dual boot installation. If you are talking about the external drive USB drive, you need to format it first then partition it while in the process of formatting, not after.
But even if you have made the decision to install Linux individually or next to Windows or OSX, a bootable Linux USB stick is the most practical. Right-click the ISO file and select Make Bootable USB Stick, or launch Menu ‣ Accessories ‣ USB. The easiest way to install Linux Mint is with a USB stick.
