Detailed (newbie) instructions? - was [Re: running Ubuntu off USB stick and retaining settings?]

[Goh Lip]

On 04/30/2011 10:09 PM, Richard Owlett wrote:
> I tried to do that a few months ago and got lost.
> My desktop now has Maverick in a dual boot with WinXP Pro (file system
> is NTFS) as my primary OS. I found instructions for an older version
> (8.x???) that implied it could be done. But as a NEWBIE I need
> instructions that explicitly state that they are suitable for the
> version I'm using. What I've got now is whatever happens when you use a
> live cd to create a dual boot situation.
>
> What I want is a USB with all OS, program, and data files.
> I'd like to be able to carry it from machine to machine.
> One of the target machines disk is FAT32. There will be some data files
> which will reside on only one of the machines.
>
> Is my question clear enough?
> TIA


Hi Richard,
as Nils said you can install to the usb stick (treat it like a partition)
or as Tony said, like a livecd (and have persistent for changes).

Just to add to their comment, since you want to take it from machine to 
machine, make sure you install grub to that usb stick so it can boot up 
from any machine.

As to usb size, I had lubuntu installed to 2GB thumb and had 4 iso's 
files (livecd's) in a 4GB thumb. However my data is minimal and none of 
these are the 'heavy-duty' kubuntu's or gnome ubuntu's. They are 
enlightenment and other light-weight distro's.

I had installed a "full" kubuntu (and a netbook version) to a 8GB thumb 
and I do not like the speed (usually data transfer to and fro ram) 
needed for it. I would think Ubuntu (gnome would be similar). However, 
you may not be as fussy as I am.

In short, as Tony mentioned, you may need a 8GB thumb for ubuntu and 4GB 
for lighter versions, but you have to add more for your data.

I suggest you try installing to the usb first before trying out booting 
iso. Let us know if you need more help.

Regards - Goh Lip



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