Installing Ubuntu 11.04 in pendrive persistently : time for pendrive OS

What about the idea of carrying your operating system whereever you go? I am not talking about bringing your laptop everywhere you go, instead use your pendrive to carry your linux distro. Not simply the live distro, you can carry your operating system with all your configurations, favorite desktop background and personal files. We can call it as a persistent installation since the pendrive linux can not only used as a means for installing linux but also it can retain the changes you made (similar to a linux installation on a hard disk). In simple terms if you store a file on the desktop or installed any new application on the pendrive ubuntu it will be there next time you boot from that pendrive.

While carrying your operating system on a USB pendrive there are many advantages. I think the most appealing one is that you will get your favourite environment wherever you go. If you are a hardcore linux user then no doubt you will find it hard to work with a 'windows only' machine, then you can use your favorite ubuntu that boots from pendrive. Another aspect is related to the security. You can use your ubuntu on the pendrive inside an internet cafe where you can expect keyloggers or other applications that can cause security breaches. Simply your online money transactions can be made secure without the help of softwares or operating system available on a cafe.

Third advantage is somewhat geeky. You can use this pendrive to remain anonymous on the internet and hack safely. Move over many machines and many networks with your handy pendrive and diminish the possibility of tracing you with the help of MAC address and IP address.

And the practical way...

I am very much font of Ubuntu as it provides a powerful environment for application development and entertainment. So i am using the latest distribution of Ubuntu, Natty narwhal (11.04) as my pendrive operating sytem. I have tested it on a Kingston DataTraveler G3 8GB pendrive. Download the iso image of the Ubuntu 11.04 from the link here. Though there are a number of ways to make persistent installation we just use the most simplest one here. For this you need a Windows (vista/7) and application called Universal USB installer (click here to download). 

Select the Ubuntu 11.04 iso image and the pendrive from the Universal USB installer to start installing Ubuntu on to pendrive. The installer will take a few mnutes for finishing the task... Done!!! your pendrive Ubuntu is ready, restart the system and boot from the pendrive to use it...