View by:

Easy Flash Drive Boot: Run Windows Or Ubuntu On Any PC!

Monday, February 2nd, 2009 – running time 24:50
Security, safety, ease of repair, USB Flash Drives are more than just storage, they're a great way to run your safe copy Linux or Windows on -any- machine that can boot from USB!

USB flash drives are the unofficial replacement for the floppy disk. From sharing files to running applications, anything you could do with a floppy you can do with a USB flash drive... including booting an entire OS.

And with sizes ranging anywhere from 1GB to 32GB you can still have massive amounts of storage on the same thumbdrive in case you want to run it off a machine you can't save or don't want to save data to.

We take you through the process of booting Linux or Windows from a thumbdrive from start to finish in this week's episode.

Before you begin you'll need two very important things. A PC with a BIOS that will let you boot from a USB flash drive and a USB flash drive you can boot from. Not all USB flash drives are equal so there's a bit of trial and error and testing you'll need to do to see if a USB flash drive is bootable unless you can find a reseller that explicitly sells them as such.

Some other pieces of software you'll need are BartPE if you want to do a WinXP PE boot or WinPE 2.0 if you want to do Vista build. WinPE 2.0 is part of the Windows Automated Installation Kit.

If you're wanting Linux boot, which is actually easier to do, check out Pendrivelinux. Probably one of the best resources on creating bootable USB flash Linux installs. For Ubuntu fans, build 8.10 now has a utility to create a bootable Ubuntu flash drive as part of the LiveCD distro.

Highlights
Microsoft Windows ( 7:33, 7:33 ) New York City ( 21:51, 21:51 ) Bill Murray ( 21:42, 21:42 ) operating system ( 0:19, 2:31, 17:18, 21:15, 0:19, 2:31, 17:18, 21:15 ) Microsoft Windows ( 7:33, 7:33 ) New York City ( 21:51, 21:51 ) Bill Murray ( 21:42, 21:42 ) operating system ( 0:19, 2:31, 17:18, 21:15, 0:19, 2:31, 17:18, 21:15 )

Automatically Generated Transcript(may not be 100% accurate) ( more )

" USB flash drives are dirt cheap there everywhere -- you probably have a bunch right now sitting somewhere gathering dust so let's put it to good use. Pictures music too easy applications -- your PC not bad. But how about using them to put an entire bootable operating system so you can customize your PC without having to modify anything on your hard drive. British they had to do this on this episode of system. This episode of system is brought to you by Netflix and go daddy -- dot com.. To get a dozen or so USB flash drives why around the house. And diversity you're getting files around eighty keep them things well a little bit safer kids you know you never know when you might need that listed. Tax deductions. Actually they're great if you especially if you're school entered trading and notes from class. Perfect thing you just want to grab your desk at work great these are the ones we -- network. We have on total 6810. Given that he's probably another five in my dad's store here's the thing though. Why not try playing around them as an emergency boot disk or way to run the same applications and files you no matter what machine -- use or even. Something like securing your ability to browse and you can somebody else's machine. Yes."

" Now oftentimes especially if you're an environment where you don't actually have your own machine which you have access to it. Of the kind of paranoid like well what if I want to run no windows browser on windows browser but a web browser want to go you -- take out something but you don't necessarily want someone you know which have been built. Or Europe that friend's house -- you know they -- a lot of stuff loaded on the machine and they have a habit of giving your machine vested you're thinking yourself I want to do something. Don't make sure there's no trojans or anything filthy nasty and machines in packed. My life because I use the password something. Or. You have a PC now working -- anything else to run on it it's a great way to kind of kind of troubleshoot those issues that you have especially if you're on windows because -- know that. When this has it's issues so. Who went to XP what are the current operating systems can -- you can -- you can -- Vista another thing with windows is you're not necessarily booting the entire operating system not to be presented. With the desktop do we. With all the functionality that you're used to there's actually part of what windows are actually Microsoft causing windows PU or preinstalled environment. And it was meant for -- IT guys to do rapid installation over a lot of machines without necessarily having to carry a disk to each one. They can basically load everything need to on -- thumb drive. Boot the machine and then install all the rest often network C going to be able to use it like with XP or Vista or you have a command can in your case. You have in interface and it's it is -- Dewey it's like windows 9598. But very low resolution. And it's not fully functional on the way that you're going to be running stage. A game or even like a full fledged web browsing you'll have access to your drives or network. A few of the functionality. I think that you need to get your machine up and running. Now port and boot to discuss the great thing. Typically when X. When people think of clinics where it's often times the very kind of hard obtuse process trying to get to work what used to be it's got a lot easier it's got a lot easier and such instead -- a life CD of Ubuntu you for the Obama country. And you can use it on another machine and you can actually save all the information so you say. I went out and I found this great deal on a car. On web browser I can save it. -- close up the machine had everything story on this thumb drive come back home plug it in it'll still be there cool so we'll have all the benefits of polite CD except that you can stored you know. So let's get things started now. What did this process for about a week and it realize you need two things to make this happen. When you need a bios in your machine that allows you to boot from USB device. USB flash drive. Until you need a flash drive that actually allows you to boot. Now with all of these I -- front of me I think. No that one. This one. So could three cheapest drives actually elated that the operating this yes one more up Clinton and others fifteenth the rest of these including this -- gigabyte one in this two gigabyte -- actually paid for my own pocket you know -- Don't know I'm still kind of figured it theory they should all be compatible. There is a section of the drive that it needs look at essentially the MBR you can that you have on the hard drive he's been kind of replicated on the thumb drive. I've managed to do before an Olympics. Install and you essentially making hidden partition on there. But for some reason I could get to work with these two I think it's -- to do with the size of the -- And this SanDisk. It's no luck. It -- particularly she'd be free be ones that I've been getting at -- yes that's ignored it and of the cool that bundled applications here to drive. So what I recommend to you is before you go buy a whole bunch of -- guys you know if there's any spare ones you've got lying around and believe they were conducted. You know. These all look exactly the same other than the fact that the logo. Except this is known networks these three actually does in the works believe enough. Okay these three worked there for these do not sorry what's it yes. When we start with servant XP with XP sister wants -- with -- you can do this with Vista and using the latest windows PE. For -- for this ability to do this that but. What I like he uses something called Bart's. PE builder. -- also short and Bart PE. He basically took the Microsoft product and he made it better yet to be included a budget -- so in terms of functionality for the average person I think Bart PE is a lot better. Than a Microsoft certainly -- that he easily -- in school power PE preinstalled environment so this is all the tools that you need to get machine up and running and working. So are you need to do is go straight to Bart PE site and download this application. So there it is. Taking download basic -- the top one uninstall it you can get a folder. You pull this back up. And what should be an expanded create a folder in your root directory. Preferably CD whatever but make church route because the system colors not that you have to it just makes things a lot easier I created one called US -- It was B group. And then I basically have everything from Bart PE. Second thing and need to do is create this for the right here SR SP one very important you keep that. Labelled as SR SP one because that's what part he looks for. When it does the whole kind of -- install. So all you really need is your XP pro install this and you need to download service pack one for windows 2003 server. Boot windows server -- vessel of on the cheap XP home version. Everything I've read it requires pro because pro has the tools that you need in order to function when you download. -- Microsoft. Windows servers that -- windows server 2003. You are going to extracted. Into the direct you don't have to do in the -- get to do it because it's simple keeps everything in one place. You'll basically come up with this folder 386. And there's two things you need to extract from this folder and -- critical so to expand it first thing you do is you take the file. And what I did was become -- with a really long kind of Microsoft the revision and so there's a -- Israel's numbers I shortened the shortened it that W has underscored SP one thing because you're gonna need to go into the command line. He do this by going to -- start button type command. -- and at the command -- and that's why take you to do it at the root directory because it's so much easier to do a single. Folder down then like 503. Other drives."

" Crust is going USB keys in the folder you're reading all the constituted an argument -- that is correct. And now you can use a different name used USB group because it just helps me identify that particular folder these are easy to remember. And as I said I renamed this file this WS SP one that is the filing need. And because it downloads and has 200 or twenty plus characters on it. Be sure net it's a lot of users tight. So I put space dash X that'll expand it. And it's gonna ask me where I want it so on this day metric should. Now what it does it's gonna automatically generate another folder I 386. And it's gonna dump everything in there hasn't studied three files to your only two files that are 320 -- makes. So now I'm gonna change from my. From the US boot directory into one more sub folder that the IP six."

" If you're gonna kill. Text based computing and manually copies over rather than going in the here and finding two files -- list of 300."

" Pretty -- I mean it's actually theaters and stuff I already know what I'm looking for so let's see we can find it first so we'll do this. It set up CD Easter treat. And then I know I want to set up voter bin they just did quick while card search for stuff so let's cut it. It what I need to do is they need to copy it over. To the folder. That I just created which was the FPR. One or -- RSP one. You know this whole lot of letters that you need to remember and McNamee -- can tell I really don't pay that much anymore -- that mouse based. Contextual. Business so it's -- me. Oh lord it so long done this. It's in this this morning. Yet. Go ahead and and there are. So that's in this case that's the first -- need in this that they of course the boot loader that they need. And that they need to expand ram disc. So that's kind of -- that quick. Could which just a ghost story but it's so we're gonna expanded I'd I'd -- expand. Hyphen. Space ran disk. As supply and put the underscored that did that one time and work. So identity to tow it where I wanted to expand the service."

" So basically just -- the -- files."

" It and it's stuff. So not much to look at but those -- the files any that they need to do is run the PE builder. Sorry so we got her files expanded and copied over to file that's for basically opening PE so I stuck in my XP pro disk. Actually this book chambers this'll -- it. But you can use your phone socket. And what you want to do is select the source that a source being the drive so. Opened here and then it knows that's where windows will be. Output mixtures as Bart PE. And finally. Let's make sure media output none we do not want to create and -- so everything else is good. And -- you have to do is click bill. As it -- on it spins up my disk. So there it goes crunch crunch crunch crunch from scratch Tom Tom Tom child. CA just basic come back after twenty minutes or so. Right it's done click call those we are -- to. Backed at a command line. Right so that. Final thing need to do is make sure we are back in the US boot directory. And look for this file or right heaters that he he soon USB. Not necessarily -- in that. That not to build PET use -- and the space. Different path and then we got if I just plugged in one of my -- drives. So what's he -- it is Luke he's cute and with the problem is that so we notes. So it's two years and it. Cool but to do is hit. Venture and -- Don -- and yes. Upper keys. Yes you can that particular case it's designed specifically -- can't screw it up. So it's gonna basically verify offer an 87 makes -- built by twelve hours the whole -- of rounding informant issue. When it's done it's gonna give me completely bootable. USB stick it that I can then boot up the McCain."

" The bios setup this might look a little different than the one on your particular machine but generally everything news. Roughly in the same location you want to look for eight boots sitting in your bios. And it has you can see here majority he said but typically those at the bottom. If you look on the right -- will tell you whether nine you can enable it by using in my mr. -- and hold them shift here. And I can live up billion dollars -- USB flash in USB hard disk on some bios is there's a difference. USB hard drive expects to see a normal hard drive where the USB flash. There are some things that the -- will not expect a rather expect to see so again if you have USB flash option choose that. And literally exit and see you."

" Right. Week Imus say no because it is not the drivers for my particular network. Devices in here but as you can see only need to do is go down to the magic horses go. And now I can do check disks. System tools I have a word and it and -- to -- this screen. Warriors. And that now have word panic and tight but wanted to buy it would also do. System tools that can do this copy of its start run see it DV format Siegel -- Or if they like Kona two check disk. I can do see. Colin and it senator and then it will."

" So it's basically a tool to get you up and running. Oh who wants everything has gone to compete. Failure or you need to get some old machine without any drives and you just want to test it. Because you need to see the machine still works are you know this today you don't want to look at. The whole laborious process of installing in the UCD drive -- you market and quit. So -- in really handy tool to do a lot of troubleshooting just keep your back pocket. -- can do mr. pretty much weren't any favors it only gonna run on the machines because all run on any PC as long as that PC will boot from USP. Cool device so I've I can use that in this laptop I used it in our that a laptop -- that are in the works and all three. All these machines are made in the past two years says. He can -- any additional applications. You I believe you can put. That involves you going through a lot more involved process of adding those functions into the park itself. Which I do not want to get into right."

" That affect what are the sponsors of today's episode system godaddy.com. Q and make them back online go to the dot com has what you need starting at less than five bucks a month web hosting for good -- dot com it was 99% up time 247 support and for free access to to GoDaddy or. -- to quickly fell over 53 applications like word press you -- copper and more. Go to any dot com makes it easy to customize your own virtual dedicated server people -- pretty popular plans to -- Linux or windows server with all the plan often do you need. You wanna save some cash of course you do area code 61 that's thats why that's why would you check out. It's an additional 10% off your entire work so -- the -- if you decide for details. You to favor help -- consist -- on the area trophy from the and they just godaddy.com. And use that code SYS one when you do you."

" Are so one of the nice things about doing the going to versus say XP. He's actually heavy full complete installation of the operating system they can pretty much -- you need being with it that you can do whenever."

" It install hard drive. Yes in fact. One of the great features of the light city of course is that you don't have to install it so you don't have to worry about destroying any and it. Partitioning or windows installs of enemy machine you actually -- a live CD and he's in the live CD you install the installation on the -- so this is the cool thing about the latest version of -- feedback and as the intrepid -- as you can tell there's a little -- excel watermark on it -- Two lives under tight maybe they like that double HI. NG the double -- shaky Jack the Ripper are you act itself. So. Hello. Typically before it before 810 to make a bootable flash drives you actually had to go through -- entire process of tormenting. Using analytics using an expert -- to create the file system on the on the thumb drive and do them. Are processed agricultural and in the Stan. So in boutique and it's built into the system the super -- gaming and super simple stupid simple. Go to system admin and then you have the function to create a USB startup disk. Click that and as long as you have faith comes a universal. USB startup disk not one specific to the system. Exactly so -- the PC you can boot from US and it allows you to boot from USB drive it works so. Right here I have to see the source file and of course USB disk to use. Distorted reserved extra space to store all that data typically when you're surfing the web on a life CD want to close that can help you lose everything you're not that not the case -- with -- USB drive not the case and actually save NC and put up at a later date. Just create as much space that you want just needs enough space to popular thing over and click make startup disk. When it's done it's done pretty sweet."

" I have it set up and it will begin to boot."

" So now we have our finished USB drive it."

" Booted straight into it so right now might look like the -- see but actually this is running off. The thumb drive. And that try improved without any changes to my machine. Doesn't -- having USB to -- becomes an Andy. So now we have is -- of the screen and as we can see it is cool."

" So let me open up."

" Seem to remember seeing now as you can see it's actually looking it remembers I did not need to type -- in my area. My Wi-Fi network it remembered from the last time I was -- to this location so. And again look start new session restore previous session restore the previous session as. -- you -- reading sentence in the forums years but it is used as you just stop I did not need to type in anything everything. What saved it was persistent I had everything that it was doing saved on the thumb drives that meant when I read booted off them drive pretty cool and yet it's. It's actually no one of the best ways I think to use Internet is on the thumb drive. Because it allows you the flexibility of using other people's machines. Without necessarily worrying about security analysts you know someone you know some sort of artwork Q the bunch of port snipers and packets members and stuff like that but it's great and you know what would be -- and it's not that expensive means other than the cost of a couple of these guys and -- again. Eight of the -- I have. Are like freebies from C yes but also by you can build one of these and basically tested on different hardware configurations in your house the slope machines bat species that actually commit. Install and that's the great thing for those who are afraid of commitment this is actually the best of both worlds you can trial especially for those of you who want to do clinics. But are afraid to commit their entire machine. Over to operating system it's a great way for you to play with it kind of get familiar with and then kind of make the decision at that point yet I want to go. Full bore with Atlantic's and then you know you can do all the rest of the packets installations if you want to do additional applications."

" It's time now for Netflix sponsored pick of the week this week the legendary. The perfect he amazing the delightful. Ghost busters is 1984 classic star Bill Murray decorated -- agreements as a team. Well college professors throw out of the university who decide offering ghost removal service to the people of New York City. Demonic possessions giant marshmallow man -- guy and this movie has its -- Just don't cross the street and -- you know what I conical of those unforgettable theme songs. If you haven't seen this movie yet you're missing out on a slew of pop culture references and one of our favorite movies ever. To put it at the top of your Netflix queue today. Don't want to watch ghost -- check out the other 89999. Titles Netflix has to offer included were willing to bet more Blu-ray -- and you can find your local dvd store you're bound by the anytime you're looking for it with forty shipping centers almost all deliveries happen in a single business day shipping both ways. -- Plans sort of four dollars and 99 cents a month but your system viewers we've got a hook up for yet get a free trial by signing up today. At www. Netflix.com slash system. Please support system by supporting our sponsors."

" We've seen everything from secure browsing to. General purpose applications installed them -- were very curious your your favorite program applications basically what you care -- drives you can run on other people's machines. -- is an email system is between. Com or go to the forums read -- dot com slash forms of the system section and then look for a thread about them drive -- now. You've heard the Ted conference now check out that bill conference region through -- with this grassroots meeting which I can't think minds as big ideas are discussed and presented. -- the light streaming all day February 7 and eighth on revision3.com. Slash bill and that's BIL. One hell of course the old episodes of systems are available at this -- dot com slash system. We hope you've enjoyed the subsidy system I'm Patrick Norton narrative tank we'll see you next week where I've been -- actually it its its Fiennes the Internet that -- and and other non indeed the -- we're gonna talk about basically remote accessing your routing your home servers. Without having to pay for static IP call you don't that would be a guts and especially for people like me who don't we we. -- static IP enough. To make it worth it. We have some fun."

" Now let's go. It."

" And yeah. Yeah. Apple's -- I. Okay don't want."

" USB flash drives are dirt cheap there everywhere -- you probably have a bunch right now sitting somewhere gathering dust so let's put it to good use. Pictures music too easy applications -- your PC not bad. But how about using them to put an entire bootable operating system so you can customize your PC without having to modify anything on your hard drive. British they had to do this on this episode of system. This episode of system is brought to you by Netflix and go daddy -- dot com.. To get a dozen or so USB flash drives why around the house. And diversity you're getting files around eighty keep them things well a little bit safer kids you know you never know when you might need that listed. Tax deductions. Actually they're great if you especially if you're school entered trading and notes from class. Perfect thing you just want to grab your desk at work great these are the ones we -- network. We have on total 6810. Given that he's probably another five in my dad's store here's the thing though. Why not try playing around them as an emergency boot disk or way to run the same applications and files you no matter what machine -- use or even. Something like securing your ability to browse and you can somebody else's machine. Yes."

" Now oftentimes especially if you're an environment where you don't actually have your own machine which you have access to it. Of the kind of paranoid like well what if I want to run no windows browser on windows browser but a web browser want to go you -- take out something but you don't necessarily want someone you know which have been built. Or Europe that friend's house -- you know they -- a lot of stuff loaded on the machine and they have a habit of giving your machine vested you're thinking yourself I want to do something. Don't make sure there's no trojans or anything filthy nasty and machines in packed. My life because I use the password something. Or. You have a PC now working -- anything else to run on it it's a great way to kind of kind of troubleshoot those issues that you have especially if you're on windows because -- know that. When this has it's issues so. Who went to XP what are the current operating systems can -- you can -- you can -- Vista another thing with windows is you're not necessarily booting the entire operating system not to be presented. With the desktop do we. With all the functionality that you're used to there's actually part of what windows are actually Microsoft causing windows PU or preinstalled environment. And it was meant for -- IT guys to do rapid installation over a lot of machines without necessarily having to carry a disk to each one. They can basically load everything need to on -- thumb drive. Boot the machine and then install all the rest often network C going to be able to use it like with XP or Vista or you have a command can in your case. You have in interface and it's it is -- Dewey it's like windows 9598. But very low resolution. And it's not fully functional on the way that you're going to be running stage. A game or even like a full fledged web browsing you'll have access to your drives or network. A few of the functionality. I think that you need to get your machine up and running. Now port and boot to discuss the great thing. Typically when X. When people think of clinics where it's often times the very kind of hard obtuse process trying to get to work what used to be it's got a lot easier it's got a lot easier and such instead -- a life CD of Ubuntu you for the Obama country. And you can use it on another machine and you can actually save all the information so you say. I went out and I found this great deal on a car. On web browser I can save it. -- close up the machine had everything story on this thumb drive come back home plug it in it'll still be there cool so we'll have all the benefits of polite CD except that you can stored you know. So let's get things started now. What did this process for about a week and it realize you need two things to make this happen. When you need a bios in your machine that allows you to boot from USB device. USB flash drive. Until you need a flash drive that actually allows you to boot. Now with all of these I -- front of me I think. No that one. This one. So could three cheapest drives actually elated that the operating this yes one more up Clinton and others fifteenth the rest of these including this -- gigabyte one in this two gigabyte -- actually paid for my own pocket you know -- Don't know I'm still kind of figured it theory they should all be compatible. There is a section of the drive that it needs look at essentially the MBR you can that you have on the hard drive he's been kind of replicated on the thumb drive. I've managed to do before an Olympics. Install and you essentially making hidden partition on there. But for some reason I could get to work with these two I think it's -- to do with the size of the -- And this SanDisk. It's no luck. It -- particularly she'd be free be ones that I've been getting at -- yes that's ignored it and of the cool that bundled applications here to drive. So what I recommend to you is before you go buy a whole bunch of -- guys you know if there's any spare ones you've got lying around and believe they were conducted. You know. These all look exactly the same other than the fact that the logo. Except this is known networks these three actually does in the works believe enough. Okay these three worked there for these do not sorry what's it yes. When we start with servant XP with XP sister wants -- with -- you can do this with Vista and using the latest windows PE. For -- for this ability to do this that but. What I like he uses something called Bart's. PE builder. -- also short and Bart PE. He basically took the Microsoft product and he made it better yet to be included a budget -- so in terms of functionality for the average person I think Bart PE is a lot better. Than a Microsoft certainly -- that he easily -- in school power PE preinstalled environment so this is all the tools that you need to get machine up and running and working. So are you need to do is go straight to Bart PE site and download this application. So there it is. Taking download basic -- the top one uninstall it you can get a folder. You pull this back up. And what should be an expanded create a folder in your root directory. Preferably CD whatever but make church route because the system colors not that you have to it just makes things a lot easier I created one called US -- It was B group. And then I basically have everything from Bart PE. Second thing and need to do is create this for the right here SR SP one very important you keep that. Labelled as SR SP one because that's what part he looks for. When it does the whole kind of -- install. So all you really need is your XP pro install this and you need to download service pack one for windows 2003 server. Boot windows server -- vessel of on the cheap XP home version. Everything I've read it requires pro because pro has the tools that you need in order to function when you download. -- Microsoft. Windows servers that -- windows server 2003. You are going to extracted. Into the direct you don't have to do in the -- get to do it because it's simple keeps everything in one place. You'll basically come up with this folder 386. And there's two things you need to extract from this folder and -- critical so to expand it first thing you do is you take the file. And what I did was become -- with a really long kind of Microsoft the revision and so there's a -- Israel's numbers I shortened the shortened it that W has underscored SP one thing because you're gonna need to go into the command line. He do this by going to -- start button type command. -- and at the command -- and that's why take you to do it at the root directory because it's so much easier to do a single. Folder down then like 503. Other drives."

" Crust is going USB keys in the folder you're reading all the constituted an argument -- that is correct. And now you can use a different name used USB group because it just helps me identify that particular folder these are easy to remember. And as I said I renamed this file this WS SP one that is the filing need. And because it downloads and has 200 or twenty plus characters on it. Be sure net it's a lot of users tight. So I put space dash X that'll expand it. And it's gonna ask me where I want it so on this day metric should. Now what it does it's gonna automatically generate another folder I 386. And it's gonna dump everything in there hasn't studied three files to your only two files that are 320 -- makes. So now I'm gonna change from my. From the US boot directory into one more sub folder that the IP six."

" If you're gonna kill. Text based computing and manually copies over rather than going in the here and finding two files -- list of 300."

" Pretty -- I mean it's actually theaters and stuff I already know what I'm looking for so let's see we can find it first so we'll do this. It set up CD Easter treat. And then I know I want to set up voter bin they just did quick while card search for stuff so let's cut it. It what I need to do is they need to copy it over. To the folder. That I just created which was the FPR. One or -- RSP one. You know this whole lot of letters that you need to remember and McNamee -- can tell I really don't pay that much anymore -- that mouse based. Contextual. Business so it's -- me. Oh lord it so long done this. It's in this this morning. Yet. Go ahead and and there are. So that's in this case that's the first -- need in this that they of course the boot loader that they need. And that they need to expand ram disc. So that's kind of -- that quick. Could which just a ghost story but it's so we're gonna expanded I'd I'd -- expand. Hyphen. Space ran disk. As supply and put the underscored that did that one time and work. So identity to tow it where I wanted to expand the service."

" So basically just -- the -- files."

" It and it's stuff. So not much to look at but those -- the files any that they need to do is run the PE builder. Sorry so we got her files expanded and copied over to file that's for basically opening PE so I stuck in my XP pro disk. Actually this book chambers this'll -- it. But you can use your phone socket. And what you want to do is select the source that a source being the drive so. Opened here and then it knows that's where windows will be. Output mixtures as Bart PE. And finally. Let's make sure media output none we do not want to create and -- so everything else is good. And -- you have to do is click bill. As it -- on it spins up my disk. So there it goes crunch crunch crunch crunch from scratch Tom Tom Tom child. CA just basic come back after twenty minutes or so. Right it's done click call those we are -- to. Backed at a command line. Right so that. Final thing need to do is make sure we are back in the US boot directory. And look for this file or right heaters that he he soon USB. Not necessarily -- in that. That not to build PET use -- and the space. Different path and then we got if I just plugged in one of my -- drives. So what's he -- it is Luke he's cute and with the problem is that so we notes. So it's two years and it. Cool but to do is hit. Venture and -- Don -- and yes. Upper keys. Yes you can that particular case it's designed specifically -- can't screw it up. So it's gonna basically verify offer an 87 makes -- built by twelve hours the whole -- of rounding informant issue. When it's done it's gonna give me completely bootable. USB stick it that I can then boot up the McCain."

" The bios setup this might look a little different than the one on your particular machine but generally everything news. Roughly in the same location you want to look for eight boots sitting in your bios. And it has you can see here majority he said but typically those at the bottom. If you look on the right -- will tell you whether nine you can enable it by using in my mr. -- and hold them shift here. And I can live up billion dollars -- USB flash in USB hard disk on some bios is there's a difference. USB hard drive expects to see a normal hard drive where the USB flash. There are some things that the -- will not expect a rather expect to see so again if you have USB flash option choose that. And literally exit and see you."

" Right. Week Imus say no because it is not the drivers for my particular network. Devices in here but as you can see only need to do is go down to the magic horses go. And now I can do check disks. System tools I have a word and it and -- to -- this screen. Warriors. And that now have word panic and tight but wanted to buy it would also do. System tools that can do this copy of its start run see it DV format Siegel -- Or if they like Kona two check disk. I can do see. Colin and it senator and then it will."

" So it's basically a tool to get you up and running. Oh who wants everything has gone to compete. Failure or you need to get some old machine without any drives and you just want to test it. Because you need to see the machine still works are you know this today you don't want to look at. The whole laborious process of installing in the UCD drive -- you market and quit. So -- in really handy tool to do a lot of troubleshooting just keep your back pocket. -- can do mr. pretty much weren't any favors it only gonna run on the machines because all run on any PC as long as that PC will boot from USP. Cool device so I've I can use that in this laptop I used it in our that a laptop -- that are in the works and all three. All these machines are made in the past two years says. He can -- any additional applications. You I believe you can put. That involves you going through a lot more involved process of adding those functions into the park itself. Which I do not want to get into right."

" That affect what are the sponsors of today's episode system godaddy.com. Q and make them back online go to the dot com has what you need starting at less than five bucks a month web hosting for good -- dot com it was 99% up time 247 support and for free access to to GoDaddy or. -- to quickly fell over 53 applications like word press you -- copper and more. Go to any dot com makes it easy to customize your own virtual dedicated server people -- pretty popular plans to -- Linux or windows server with all the plan often do you need. You wanna save some cash of course you do area code 61 that's thats why that's why would you check out. It's an additional 10% off your entire work so -- the -- if you decide for details. You to favor help -- consist -- on the area trophy from the and they just godaddy.com. And use that code SYS one when you do you."

" Are so one of the nice things about doing the going to versus say XP. He's actually heavy full complete installation of the operating system they can pretty much -- you need being with it that you can do whenever."

" It install hard drive. Yes in fact. One of the great features of the light city of course is that you don't have to install it so you don't have to worry about destroying any and it. Partitioning or windows installs of enemy machine you actually -- a live CD and he's in the live CD you install the installation on the -- so this is the cool thing about the latest version of -- feedback and as the intrepid -- as you can tell there's a little -- excel watermark on it -- Two lives under tight maybe they like that double HI. NG the double -- shaky Jack the Ripper are you act itself. So. Hello. Typically before it before 810 to make a bootable flash drives you actually had to go through -- entire process of tormenting. Using analytics using an expert -- to create the file system on the on the thumb drive and do them. Are processed agricultural and in the Stan. So in boutique and it's built into the system the super -- gaming and super simple stupid simple. Go to system admin and then you have the function to create a USB startup disk. Click that and as long as you have faith comes a universal. USB startup disk not one specific to the system. Exactly so -- the PC you can boot from US and it allows you to boot from USB drive it works so. Right here I have to see the source file and of course USB disk to use. Distorted reserved extra space to store all that data typically when you're surfing the web on a life CD want to close that can help you lose everything you're not that not the case -- with -- USB drive not the case and actually save NC and put up at a later date. Just create as much space that you want just needs enough space to popular thing over and click make startup disk. When it's done it's done pretty sweet."

" I have it set up and it will begin to boot."

" So now we have our finished USB drive it."

" Booted straight into it so right now might look like the -- see but actually this is running off. The thumb drive. And that try improved without any changes to my machine. Doesn't -- having USB to -- becomes an Andy. So now we have is -- of the screen and as we can see it is cool."

" So let me open up."

" Seem to remember seeing now as you can see it's actually looking it remembers I did not need to type -- in my area. My Wi-Fi network it remembered from the last time I was -- to this location so. And again look start new session restore previous session restore the previous session as. -- you -- reading sentence in the forums years but it is used as you just stop I did not need to type in anything everything. What saved it was persistent I had everything that it was doing saved on the thumb drives that meant when I read booted off them drive pretty cool and yet it's. It's actually no one of the best ways I think to use Internet is on the thumb drive. Because it allows you the flexibility of using other people's machines. Without necessarily worrying about security analysts you know someone you know some sort of artwork Q the bunch of port snipers and packets members and stuff like that but it's great and you know what would be -- and it's not that expensive means other than the cost of a couple of these guys and -- again. Eight of the -- I have. Are like freebies from C yes but also by you can build one of these and basically tested on different hardware configurations in your house the slope machines bat species that actually commit. Install and that's the great thing for those who are afraid of commitment this is actually the best of both worlds you can trial especially for those of you who want to do clinics. But are afraid to commit their entire machine. Over to operating system it's a great way for you to play with it kind of get familiar with and then kind of make the decision at that point yet I want to go. Full bore with Atlantic's and then you know you can do all the rest of the packets installations if you want to do additional applications."

" It's time now for Netflix sponsored pick of the week this week the legendary. The perfect he amazing the delightful. Ghost busters is 1984 classic star Bill Murray decorated -- agreements as a team. Well college professors throw out of the university who decide offering ghost removal service to the people of New York City. Demonic possessions giant marshmallow man -- guy and this movie has its -- Just don't cross the street and -- you know what I conical of those unforgettable theme songs. If you haven't seen this movie yet you're missing out on a slew of pop culture references and one of our favorite movies ever. To put it at the top of your Netflix queue today. Don't want to watch ghost -- check out the other 89999. Titles Netflix has to offer included were willing to bet more Blu-ray -- and you can find your local dvd store you're bound by the anytime you're looking for it with forty shipping centers almost all deliveries happen in a single business day shipping both ways. -- Plans sort of four dollars and 99 cents a month but your system viewers we've got a hook up for yet get a free trial by signing up today. At www. Netflix.com slash system. Please support system by supporting our sponsors."

" We've seen everything from secure browsing to. General purpose applications installed them -- were very curious your your favorite program applications basically what you care -- drives you can run on other people's machines. -- is an email system is between. Com or go to the forums read -- dot com slash forms of the system section and then look for a thread about them drive -- now. You've heard the Ted conference now check out that bill conference region through -- with this grassroots meeting which I can't think minds as big ideas are discussed and presented. -- the light streaming all day February 7 and eighth on revision3.com. Slash bill and that's BIL. One hell of course the old episodes of systems are available at this -- dot com slash system. We hope you've enjoyed the subsidy system I'm Patrick Norton narrative tank we'll see you next week where I've been -- actually it its its Fiennes the Internet that -- and and other non indeed the -- we're gonna talk about basically remote accessing your routing your home servers. Without having to pay for static IP call you don't that would be a guts and especially for people like me who don't we we. -- static IP enough. To make it worth it. We have some fun."

" Now let's go. It."

" And yeah. Yeah. Apple's -- I. Okay don't want."

mari1ee

Started discussion: February 2, 2009 @ 4:00pm GMT

Episode 89 - Boot Your Copy of Windows or Linux On Anyone's Machine [Discussion]

Security, safety, ease of repair, USB Flash Drives are more than just storage, they're a great way to run your safe copy Linux or Windows on -any- machine that can boot from USB!

Watch or download now!

IanPR
about 1 year ago
I use my USB to boot Backtrack, a very cool security Linux OS.
http://www.remote-exploit.org/backtrack.html

If you are interested at all, go to the site and mess around with it.
evilkoolade
about 1 year ago

Xenocode Virtual Application Studio

i use Xenocode Virtual Application Studio to put a wide variety of softwares onto my thumb drive including Photoshop cs4 and zbrush 3.1 Xenocode is expensive at $500 but well worth the ability to revise a 3d file or texture wherever i am on the fly.
computoman
about 1 year ago
If you not not using your own machine , please ask permission before CHANGING ANY BIOS settings. Newer systems will let you choose alternative boot devices without having to alter the bios by just pressing the appropriate key at boot time. See the manual or watch the boot screen closely. There also floppy boot disks and or cd's available to boot the usb stick so you do not have to alter the bios.

Topic for another show, but you can roll your own linux live cd/dvd or usb with the programs you most use. Include the wine software and you can even run windows programs from a live linux cd.

Note:
If you use a linux live cd, you can still save data and settings to a usb stick.

Just an aside, but this is great for all platforms......
http://portableapps.com/
padeone
about 1 year ago

Has anyone heard of MojoPac?

http://www.mojopac.com/

it creates a virtual environment on a portable memory device, i.e. usb thumb drive, ipod, etc. It works pretty well and it keeps your info private, since it will not leave your portable device. if you're using it at work, you'll be limited to usb run permissions and internet firewall settings.
jesseriddle
about 1 year ago
If anyone wants to try one of their drives at home and are not successful at doing so. Follow the directions here. I had a Kingston drive much like the particular guy in the article that would not work once I ran the Ubuntu USB program. So I followed his directions and everything worked flawlessly. Now I need to get an AC Adapter for Dell's POS laptops from 04 generation.

http://www.pendrivelinux.com/install-a-new-mbr-to-your-usb-flash-device/
crabcakes
about 1 year ago
I use my thumb drive to put small files on... nothing interesting at all...
MediaGearhead
about 1 year ago

Simplicity

In reply to crabcakes:
I use my thumb drive to put small files on... nothing interesting at all...


Simplicity for the win

I think I am going to give the Ubuntu install a go i just need to get down and do it.
jac_goudsmit
about 1 year ago

The most useful key on your keyboard: TAB

Hey Roger, did you know that while you're typing those awful long file names you can hit Tab to let the shell finish the file name?

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=310530

It also works in Linux, only better: in Linux you can even use this for commands.

That should save you some work next time; you don't need to rename downloaded files such as Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1, or changing directories (I haven't typed "Program Files" for a long time - I always just type "pro" followed by Tab).

===Jac
Freakazoid12
about 1 year ago
In reply to padeone:
http://www.mojopac.com/

it creates a virtual environment on a portable memory device, i.e. usb thumb drive, ipod, etc. It works pretty well and it keeps your info private, since it will not leave your portable device. if you're using it at work, you'll be limited to usb run permissions and internet firewall settings.


It's also quite vulnerable to stuff like any trojans doing keylogging on the machine in question, vs. an OS booted from USB that isn't.
View all 30 comments