Linux install ubuntu on a pen drive for use with multiple computers.

Discussion in 'Software' started by dave_c, 8 Sep 2013.

  1. dave_c

    dave_c Minimodder

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    Just wondering if any linux pros can help me out with this

    I'm just wondering, is it possible to install ubuntu on a pen drive (I have a 64gb one) and all the office software and then use it on multiple PCs as the main HDD. So it leaves no trace of what I have been doing when the pen drive is unplugged and I can basically have a portable system which willl work with any hardware.

    I'm thinking it may work but wondering if the USB would have issues with the changing hardware. And I'm not sure to what extent ubuntu could install software onto a USB.

    As you may be able to tell I'm not exactly a linux pro :D

    Appreciate any help.anyone can give on this, thanks in advance.
     
    dave_c, 8 Sep 2013
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  2. theshadow2001

    theshadow2001 [DELETE] means [DELETE]

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    Yes you can create a live usb with a copy of unetbootin and the ubuntu iso file.

    Although there are other distributions which may be more suited to being used in such a manner such as linux puppy.

    Edit: You probably need a persistent live usb.

    https://wiki.ubuntu.com/LiveUsbPendrivePersistent
     
    theshadow2001, 8 Sep 2013
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  3. Zurechial

    Zurechial Elitist

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    http://www.pendrivelinux.com/

    Supports almost any distro, as far as I can tell; even things like GPartEd; and is fairly easy to set up and install.
     
    Zurechial, 8 Sep 2013
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  4. dave_c

    dave_c Minimodder

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    so that will allow me to install, say, a word processor and save files to the USB drive aswell?

    Any idea what the speed will be like, it is a USB3 but how does that compare to a sata connected HDD?
     
    dave_c, 9 Sep 2013
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  5. lysaer

    lysaer Suck my unit! Kirk lazarus (2008)

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    Linux on a USB drive is fairly fast, if you're only word processing I doubt you'll notice any speed issues at all.

    I use Yumi to make my usb drives, it's pretty much the same as the others that were recommended.

    Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
     
    lysaer, 9 Sep 2013
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  6. Woodstock

    Woodstock So Say We All

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    It would remain possible to do cold boot attacks, but assuming the MI5 are not after you, thats not a big concern.

    USB2 is only half-duplex (can only read or write at once), so you should have a nicer time with USB3 stick if you have USB3 ports.

    And you almost certainly don't want swap on a flash drive.
     
    Woodstock, 10 Sep 2013
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  7. badders

    badders Neuken in de Keuken

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    I have exactly this (except xubuntu as I prefer XFCE) - I simply installed Ubuntu, and made the installation target my 32Gb USB stick. It all installed, and has even left me enough room for Steam and a few games.

    Works fine, and is surprisingly quick (on the right hardware).
     
    badders, 10 Sep 2013
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