What happens to the thumb drive after installation of ubuntu?

I have zero knowledge of linux but I really wanted to try their operating system so I just installed ubuntu into my netbook (windows 7 starter ) but wondering whether I can delete the data on the usb that I used to install ubuntu? Can I format it or just continue using it like any other usb?

Thanks for your help.

It might be a good idea to keep the USB flash stick with Ubuntu on it as it could be a "rescue device" if something were to go wrong in your new install.

IF the usb is large enough, I would suggest creating a data partition (for storing data) on it using gparted. If using with win and linux, format it ntfs or fat32, if using Linux only, format the partition with ext4 or similar linux file system.

If u hav a DVD rom, i suggest u write the iso to a DVD n store it.. that way u hav a free usb at hand.. which is much more handy....
Else, u gotta do as GregA wrote, one way or another u hav to keep that iso with u... just in case u mess things up n require it again...

You really need to have a repairCD/DVD/Flash drive for the current version of every install you have, both Windows and Ubuntu.
So I keep several smaller flash drives with my Ubuntu install and use larger ones for data.

To answer your question, yes, you can keep on using the USB drive for other purposes.

To answer your questions. You can remove applications just like we can with a hard disk install. You can send data to the rubbish bin and then empty the rubbish bin. You add data until the USB disk is full, just like with a hard disk and You can format it and store data on it just like a hard disk.

It is a memory stick and you can do what you want with it.

Regards.

It is nice to keep the Ubuntu install system. But if you have more than one computer, it is enough to keep it as an iso file on an external drive for storage/backup. If you have only one computer, it is a good idea to burn it to a CD/DVD, as suggested by bhattabhishek because it gives you the possibility to use the USB drive for other purposes.

TeaCup8... I sure hope u hav found out what u can do with that usb stick...

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