Ubuntu
ubiquity package

Can I use USB like a HD?

Asked by Steven Young

I have a desktop at work that I can use. Unfortunately, for me, it's in Windows XP, Korean. I am not Korean. What's worse, is that it's poorly locked down. That means in 2-4 months, if I'm lucky, the desktop will be swimming with viruses and worms, and all the work I have will be lost (backup wouldn't really work since that too would be infected). I want to be able to operate the computer using an English OS, and thought I could use the Ubuntu - USB to do it. I was able to make the computer boot from the USB, and everything is working... except nothing gets saved. I started a few docs, thought I saved them to the USB, but when I rebooted, everything was gone. The session I had with FF did not save either.

I have a 4GB USB stick, and that's just fine for what I need to do at work: create syllabi, calendars, etc. My needs are relatively simple. However, I am wondering if I am trying to get something to work in a way that it was not meant to. I am a beginner with Linux, and was hoping to get some XP using it at work and maybe learn to wean myself off of MS entirely.

When the USB boot starts, it asks if I want to install the OS or just use the trial version. But when I go to install, it wants to do it on the hard drive rather than the USB stick.

If someone could give me a clue, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks,
Steven

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Revision history for this message
actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#1

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/LiveUsbPendrivePersistent

Revision history for this message
GeorgeVita (8-launchpad-mhnyma-com) said : 		#2

Hi Steven,
you can have a full installation on a second USB memory stick but you need a 'bigger' one (>=8GBytes). Of course it will run very slow. The best 'take away' solution is to use the 'persistence' option at 'StartUp Disk Creator'. When creating the LiveUSB check the 'Stored in reserved extra space' option and adjust the ruler to aprox. 1GB (for your tests you can choose less as it takes time to initialize the persistent file).

- attach USB memory
- System > Administration > Startup Disk Creator
- show Ubuntu .iso file
- click on your USB memory at 'Disk to Use'
- check the 'Stored in reserved extra space' option
- adjust 'How much' ruler to aprox. 1GB
- 'Make Startup Disk'
- WAIT to finish

Reboot to test it!

Regards,
George

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