[Blackpool] Downloading & Installing Linux

[Elizabeth C]

Hi Everyone

Great Meeting this morning, thank you Mike and everyone.

Further on the downloading & installing Linux OS's issue:

So when a new distro is out, is it best to download both 32 and 64 bit - eg I have 2 laptops, tower and the tablet to change OS's when the new Mint comes out ??? 

Why is software needed to download/install a new Linux OS ???  Why can't it be downloaded/installed direct to Flash Drive or Disk ???

What is the software needed/recommended???

What was the general consensus opinion on the latest Ubuntu ???

Thanks in anticipation,

Elizabeth