Installing on a portable hardrive

[ACF1]

Does this way of installing Ubuntu to a portable hardrive work well? LINK (http://www.pendrivelinux.com/ubuntu-810-install-using-the-built-in-usb-installer/) And if so, does it to anything to my existing computer? Or is it all self contained on the portable? Any information would be appreciated, thanks.

[utnubuuser]

Running from a USB flash drive can work quite well. And no, your existing OS is un-altered; When done, click shut-down, remove the USB, re-start into your original system.

Not all machines are able to boot from USB.

[ACF1]

Mine should boot from USB. Just to make sure, (cause I can't mess this computer up) this procedure does not mess with anything on my computer? Correct?

[ACF1]

Question for you guys: I looked into my BIOS and it only has three options to boot from, CD drive, Harddrive, and Realtek boot agent. What is the "Network: Realtek boot Agent"? And does this mean I can not boot from USB? Thanks.

[ACF1]

No thoughts on this one guys? Thanks.

[timcredible]

the boot from usb option won't show up unless you have a drive plugged into a usb port.

[ACF1]

the boot from usb option won't show up unless you have a drive plugged into a usb port.

I did have the drive plugged in when I rebooted. Still nothing. Oh well. How about the "installing in windows" option? How good does that work? Can viruses and stuff get on my windows anyway? Thanks.

[ACF1]

I am really thinking about doing the "installing in windows" option. What are your guys' opinions about that method? Can viruses get into the Windows? How does it use harddrive space? Etc. Thanks.

[ACF1]

I am really thinking about doing the "installing in windows" option. What are your guys' opinions about that method? Can viruses get into the Windows? How does it use harddrive space? Etc. Thanks.

Guys, does no one have an answer to this stuff? Not trying to be annoying, but yeah.