Before I write anything about stuffing Ubuntu in a pen drive for creating a Live Ubuntu USB let us first discuss why do we need to do this in the first place? I mean what is the big advantage of loading a USB with Ubuntu when it is already there on a CD/DVD? To make it easy I have summarized some of the advantages of loading Ubuntu on a USB:
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To test drive Ubuntu (Anything on a flash disk loads much faster as compared to a CD/DVD)
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To carry your own copy in your pocket and use it on any PC
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To salvage/recover data from a PC with a crashed OS (Mainly Windows)
Linux has always been labeled as being a difficult OS, one that requires hundreds of commands to be memorized just format a disk or even change a directory. I distinctly remember a the time when I got a copy of Red Hat 6.2 a couple of years back and installing it turned out to be one of the most difficult experiences of my life. Simply configuring the graphics via Xconfigurator used to be a nightmare. But now Linux has progressed a lot and has followed the “point and click” philosophy of Windows and Macs. Similarly, making a Live Ubuntu USB is now more easier than ever. uSbuntu is an application which can be run from Windows XP/Vista to create a Live Ubuntu USB. You can download the application from here. It is a mere 1.5 Mb in size and does not require installing. Just double click and the application launches, see the screen-shot below.
There are five simple steps to creating a Live Ubuntu USB using uSbuntu. In fact the whole sequence is shown in the application itself from Step 1 to 5. I am going to write them down for your ease:
1. Insert the Pen drive and note down its letter e.g. E:, F: or whatever, select it from the Step 1 pull down menu.
2. Choose the source from where the Ubuntu contents are to be copied i.e the CD, ISO image or the web.
3. Select the persistence of the drive in MBs.
4. Check the relevant fields if you want to hide the files being copied on the Flash drive, format it in FAT 32 or enable launching Ubuntu in Windows.
5. Click the lighting icon to begin the installation process.
The whole procedure requires takes less than 5 minutes. Finally reboot your PC to load Live Ubuntu. (be sure to set the USB port as first boot device from the BIOS) The best thing about a Live Ubuntu CD or USB is that it is an excellent data recovery tool. I have used it a number of times to salvage my data not only from the logical partitions but also from the primary partition i.e the “C” drive. The Ubuntu that is loaded via the USB or CD/DVD comes preloaded with USB drivers and CD/DVD writing software. Simply select the files that you wish to recover, insert a flash drive and move them on to it, alternatively, insert a writable CD/DVD and save your data optically. Enjoy the experience!
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Article by nauman
I am 39 year old technology enthusiast trying to keep myself updated on the latest happenings in this field. I like to keep things simple and everyday I learn something new to share with the world!