Working USB Install That Works on any Machine

[JerryC]

Is it possible to have a working USB install that you can carry around with you and plug into any PC and boot into Ubuntu (assuming boot from USB capability). I have a working installation copy on USB, but that's not what I'm talking about. I would like to have a USB with "my" linux on it. I want to be able to install programs ocasionaally to the USB without messing up the host computer. Am I making sense? Can this even be done?

JC

[C.S.Cameron]

Following is step by step how to install 12.04 on a 8GB flash drive:

Turn off and unplug the computer. (See note at bottom)
Remove the side from the case.
Unplug the power cable from the hard drive.
Plug the computer back in.
Insert the flash drive.
Insert the Live CD.
Start the computer, the CD should boot.
Select language
Select install Ubuntu.
Select Download updates while installing and Select Install this third-party software.
Continue
At "Installation type" select "Something else".
Continue
Confirm Device is correct.
Select "New Partition Table"
Click Continue on the drop down.
(Optional partition for use on Windows machine)
Click "Free space" and "Add".
Select "Primary".
Make "New partition size..." about 1000 bytes.
Location = Beginning.
"Use as:" = "FAT32 file system", (
And "Mount point" = /windows.
Select "OK"
Click "free space" and then "Add".
Select "Primary", "New partition size ..." = 4000 to 6000 bytes, Beginning, Ext4, and Mount point = "/" then OK.
(Optional home partition)
Click "free space" and then "Add".
Select "Primary", "New partition size ..." = 1000 to 4000 bytes, Beginning, Ext2, and Mount point = "/home" then OK.
(Optional swap space, allows hybernation)
Click "free space" and then "Add".
Select "Primary", "New partition size ..." = remaining space, (1000 to 2000 bytes, or same size as RAM), Beginning and "Use as" = "swap area" then OK.
(Important)
Confirm "Device for boot loader installation" points to the USB drive. Default should be ok if HDD was unplugged.
Click "Install Now".
Select your location.
Continue.
Select Keyboard layout.
Continue.
Insert your name, username, password, computer name and select if you want to log in automatically or require a password.
Selecting "Encrypt my home folder" is a good option if you are worried about loosing your USB drive.
Select Continue.
Wait until install is complete.
Turn off computer and plug in the HDD.
Stick the side panel back on.

Note:
You may omit disabling the hard drive if after partitioning you choose to install grub to the root of the usb drive you are installing Ubuntu to, (ie sdb not sdb1). Be cautious, many people have overwritten the HDD MBR.
At boot you will then be given the option to boot your computer's hard drive, even when booting another computer.

[JerryC]

An excellent response! Just what I'm looking for.
Thank you so very much.

JC

[Hedgehog1]

Jerry,

I have just such a USB stick I carry in my work bag.

Not only is it great for demoing Ubuntu to folks at work, I also us it to boot up 'thrashed' windows machines and copy user data to an external USB drive.

Once the data is rescued, the IT folks then put a fresh copy of Windows on the PC and then the user can restore their documents from their USB drive.

This means you can be a hero now-and-again. It is a VERY nice feeling.

The Hedge

[JerryC]

I know that feeling. I have worked with PCs since 1982 and was one of the "PC Guys" in the office with a 175 PC network.

JC

[DisturbedDragon]

You could just use unetbootin to install to a xxGB stick with persistence. Done and done. You can save settings and permanently install programs.