Computer on USB drive?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Josh Randall
  • Start date Start date
J

Josh Randall

I've been toying with the idea of putting my entire OS on a thumb drive.
Probably Win98SE and using IE eradicator or Win Lite to slim it down. I have
xxcopy and wonder if this is the program to use? I think I can get by with a
512MB drive....

I'm guessing I would have to set up on the HD first, then tweak it, and then
use xxcopy or a clone program to put it on the USB drive. Anybody ever try
this?

My reason for this is I want to use Linux on my new box, but still need to
use it until I get up to speed with Linux and get everything
working..........Good idea?


JR
 
Josh Randall a écrit :
I've been toying with the idea of putting my entire OS on a thumb drive.
Probably Win98SE and using IE eradicator or Win Lite to slim it down. I have
xxcopy and wonder if this is the program to use? I think I can get by with a
512MB drive....

I'm guessing I would have to set up on the HD first, then tweak it, and then
use xxcopy or a clone program to put it on the USB drive. Anybody ever try
this?

My reason for this is I want to use Linux on my new box, but still need to
use it until I get up to speed with Linux and get everything
working..........Good idea?


JR
Click to expand...

Windows will NOT run on an usb device, you can eventually
try to *install* XP on an usb, there are some peoples
who discuss that. But the main opinion is windows can't
be set on a usb device. So if i could suggest something,
it would be to try a pcmcia card reader with 1 Gd card.
It is only an idea, no warranty ! let us know

good luck,

lh
 
Juzme said:
I'm missing something. Why not partition and dual boot?
Click to expand...


Been there, done that, and got many t-shirts for my trouble. Seems the boot
loader writes to the MBR, and screws with some my progs.........I've used
Partion Magic (7). and the Linux versions.(lilo and boot loader) BUT, the 2
main reasons are:

I don't want any M$ stuff on my computer (eventually)
And I would like to take my files with me when I travel. (just plug into
anybody's computer and go!).

Another option (maybe) is to just put a slim 98 on a floppy, and everthing
else on the USB drive, huh?

JR
 
So if i could suggest something,
it would be to try a pcmcia card reader with 1 Gd card.
It is only an idea, no warranty ! let us know

Not a bad idea. I've got a card reader to install now, along with a PCI USB
2.0 hub. The reason I haven't installed it, is that all USB 2.0 drivers
REQUIRE SP 1 to be installed..(that's my experience right now). My MSI Delta
board requires it, the card reader does too. Why don't I install SP 1? I
don't have it with my old copy of Win XP and don't want to order it from
them. I also have a new copy of Win XP home w/ SP 2. Never opened or used.
But SP 2 puts all manner of trojans on your HD, and requires quite a bit of
personal info to activate. (address, phone #, e-mail, etc). I don't trust M$
that much. Any ideas?

JR
 
Josh said:
And I would like to take my files with me when I travel. (just plug into
anybody's computer and go!).
Click to expand...

Maybe you could format your pen drive to FAT32 file format, which is
readable and writeable by both Windows and Linux.

Repartitioning your hard drive is a good idea. I've had many problems
with GRUB, and it basically seems to wreck XP. However, I managed to
install Ubuntu, which uses GRUB, and did not experience difficulties.

In the past I have used Slackware, which boots with Lilo, and it has
never given me any problems; although some people seem to experience
many problems with Lilo.

Something to think about is to get the bootloader written to the
partition on which you installed the new OS, rather than the MBR. (It's
not always possible to do this - for example Ubuntu I think insists on
writing to the MBR.) You can then use something like GAG (a graphical
bootloader) to boot from whatever partition you feel like - and you
haven't touched your MBR. So, you could install Slackware to a
partition, install XP to another partition, and not have to worry that
XP overwrites the MBR.

Alternatively, if you're not ready to commit to Linux, why not try a
live Linux distribution such as Knoppix. Or maybe you'd like SLAX:
"SLAX is a small bootable CD containing the Linux operating system. It
runs Linux directly from the CD (or USB) without installing. The Live CD
described here is based on the Slackware Linux distribution and uses
Unification File System (also known as unionfs), allowing read-only
filesystem to behave as a writable one, saving all changes to memory."
http://slax.linux-live.org/

SLAX is a small distribution that can fit on a CD that it is the size of
a credit card - so you could even carry the OS around in your wallet.

Just some ideas, anyway.
 
Josh said:
I've been toying with the idea of putting my entire OS on a thumb drive.
Probably Win98SE and using IE eradicator or Win Lite to slim it down. I have
xxcopy and wonder if this is the program to use? I think I can get by with a
512MB drive....

I'm guessing I would have to set up on the HD first, then tweak it, and then
use xxcopy or a clone program to put it on the USB drive. Anybody ever try
this?

My reason for this is I want to use Linux on my new box, but still need to
use it until I get up to speed with Linux and get everything
working..........Good idea?


JR
Click to expand...
1. How about using Bart PE, http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder, and
http://www.911cd.net/forums. The program runs from a CD and does not
use the hard drive at all. There are plugins which support most windows
programs. The catch 22 is that you WinXP SP2 to build the CD disk.

2. Or how about using two disk drives and removable hard drive trays.
One drive has windows, and the other linux. Just plug in which ever
drive suits your fancy at the moment. Hard drives are relatively
inexpensive and this solution involves the least hair pulling.
 
GeorgeD said:
2. Or how about using two disk drives and removable hard drive trays.
One drive has windows, and the other linux. Just plug in which ever
drive suits your fancy at the moment. Hard drives are relatively
inexpensive and this solution involves the least hair pulling.
Click to expand...
Yup, I think that's what I'll do. I've got an older ATA 33 WD hard drive
laying around here, too. My new board (MSI Delta 6) has a boot option when
starting. Just hit F11 and pick your boot drive..........No need for a
removable one, I guess. Sure wish someone would crack some code to boot from
a USB pen drive though.........Now, THAT would be trick.

JR
 
1. How about using Bart PE, http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder, and
http://www.911cd.net/forums. The program runs from a CD and does not
use the hard drive at all. There are plugins which support most windows
programs. The catch 22 is that you WinXP SP2 to build the CD disk.
Click to expand...

Bart's PE Builder can use SP1 as well. I think it best to use SP2
though if any internet activity is required when booting from the CD.

There is no registration stuff when using either SP. It creates a CD
that boots up to a slim version of XP. Data can be stored on the jump
drive, but Bart's and the UBCD4Win are really for repairing partitions
and have tools to recover data, AV scan, etc. more than the normal
tools you'd use when working in XP.

I have a dual boot Red Hat\XP using Grub as the bootloader and I've
never had any problems... except that I find myself booting up to XP
the majority of the time. I bought a USB modem I thought would work
with Linux, but it doesn't. Finding a straight serial modem is getting
pretty hard... This USB even listed Linux on the box. No go.
 
REM said:
I have a dual boot Red Hat\XP using Grub as the bootloader and I've
never had any problems... except that I find myself booting up to XP
the majority of the time. I bought a USB modem I thought would work
with Linux, but it doesn't. Finding a straight serial modem is getting
pretty hard... This USB even listed Linux on the box. No go.
Click to expand...

Been down that modem trail a long time, REM. I've got 4 modems now. Done a
*lot* of research, too. Here's what I found out..........Almost any (don't
know of one that doesn't) external, Com port interface will work with Linux.
I've got 2, both off eBay, and both about $20 with shipping. A Zoom, late
model, and a new Diamond 56e Pro. The Zoom works with windows, no driver
needed, but isn't as fast as my current Supra Express USB v.90. The Diamonds
were bought out, and the included drivers will not work with Windows.
However, I bought a new one just for Linux and it will work, I'm told.

The only internal PCI modem I know of) that is designed to work with Linux
is EZ Media's v.92 with Intel chipset. I've got one istalled in my new box.
I'm told most all USB modems won't work, and the ones that will are a PITA.
Suggest you get an external hardware modem (included controller, com
connect). Hard to find, but many on e-bay. Your other option is to get a new
USR external for around $100........HTH.

JD.
 
Bart's PE Builder can use SP1 as well. I think it best to use SP2
though if any internet activity is required when booting from the
CD.

There is no registration stuff when using either SP. It creates a CD
that boots up to a slim version of XP. Data can be stored on the
jump
drive, but Bart's and the UBCD4Win are really for repairing
partitions
and have tools to recover data, AV scan, etc. more than the normal
tools you'd use when working in XP.

I have a dual boot Red Hat\XP using Grub as the bootloader and I've
never had any problems... except that I find myself booting up to XP
the majority of the time. I bought a USB modem I thought would work
with Linux, but it doesn't. Finding a straight serial modem is
getting
pretty hard... This USB even listed Linux on the box. No go.
Click to expand...

That's because USB modems are basically Winmodems-in-a-box. They have
little in common with serial port modems.
 
Been down that modem trail a long time, REM. I've got 4 modems now. Done a
*lot* of research, too. Here's what I found out..........Almost any (don't
know of one that doesn't) external, Com port interface will work with Linux.
I've got 2, both off eBay, and both about $20 with shipping. A Zoom, late
model, and a new Diamond 56e Pro. The Zoom works with windows, no driver
needed, but isn't as fast as my current Supra Express USB v.90. The Diamonds
were bought out, and the included drivers will not work with Windows.
However, I bought a new one just for Linux and it will work, I'm told.
Click to expand...
The only internal PCI modem I know of) that is designed to work with Linux
is EZ Media's v.92 with Intel chipset. I've got one istalled in my new box.
I'm told most all USB modems won't work, and the ones that will are a PITA.
Suggest you get an external hardware modem (included controller, com
connect). Hard to find, but many on e-bay. Your other option is to get a new
USR external for around $100........HTH.
Click to expand...

My USR is external, but USB :(

One of these days... I'm going to get one that does work.
 
REM said:
One of these days... I'm going to get one that does work.
Click to expand...

I suggest getting a new Diamond 56e Pro from e-Bay. They are $20 (including
shipping) and new. Throw away the Win drivers, they don't work and nobody is
writing them. But it IS a real hardware modem. Based on the performance of
my Diamond Supra, it ought to be a fine choice for Linux. If you *have* to
have one that works for Win/Linux, then find a used Zoom or a USR external
com port connect.

JR
 
Windows will NOT run on an usb device, you can eventually
try to *install* XP on an usb, there are some peoples
who discuss that. But the main opinion is windows can't
be set on a usb device. So if i could suggest something,
it would be to try a pcmcia card reader with 1 Gd card.
It is only an idea, no warranty ! let us know

good luck,
Click to expand...

There was an article in one of the PC mags (PCPro?) and the Guy
(Gordon Lang) did exactly that.

Have a look at this http://www.litepc.com/
Bye for now.

Clive.
 
Have you any links? I've searched before and cannot find a serial
modem for sale anywher3e Google took me.
Click to expand...

I don't waste time and money shopping online. Go to either your local Wal-Mart
or a supply store like Staples.

I got my Zoom 3048 V.92/V90 modem at Staples for $59.99

It was actually cheaper at the local Staples than the online rip-off sites,
and the store's return policy is a hell of a lot better.
 
Chris Lee said:
I don't waste time and money shopping online. Go to either your local Wal-Mart
or a supply store like Staples.
Click to expand...

Interesting. It takes me 2 minutes to order online and I save tons of money.
I wouldn't waste *my* time going in a Wally World. Returns? At the higher
rated ones, it's no problem, although I've never had to. The boxes don't get
kicked around I suppose.

JR
 
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