Linux flash drive is a basic USB drive which is made bootable for Linux. But before making the efforts one should check the operating system
Linux Flash Drive
compatibility of their computer for USB Linux flash drive installations. To check the compatibility of the system there are many methods available on the chart but the following steps integrates to the most simple method for the cause:
Install Memtest86+ to the USB. Basically it is used to check the errors on the computer’s memory.
Now reboot the computer and press F8.
A window opens containing a tab naming boot. Click on boot and change the priority order of the bios to USB.
Click on save and exit.
Now reboot the computer. On rebooting memtest86+ screen appears then it is verified that the host controller or the computer is enabled in response to booting through USB.
After the verification process is done, next step approaches i.e. your USB drive to be a bootable ‘Linux Flash Drive’. It can be done by the method explained below in order:
1. Connect the USB pen drive into the USB port of computer. Minimum memory requirement of 4 GB should be fulfilled for efficient installation of Linux.
2. Copy your data on the pc in any drive other then drive used for operating system. .
3. Format the USB drive.
4. Navigate through Start > All programs >Accessories > right click on Command Prompt. Make it run as administrator.
5. Proceed as follows:
DISKPART, then press enter.
And then type
LIST DISK and then press enter. It will show the number assigned to the disk.
Enter the following commands in hierarchy
SELECT DISK 1:- It will select the disk 1 which is our pen drive in this case.
CLEAN: – It will clean the disk.
CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY: -It will create partitions on the memory of USB.
SELECT PARTITION 1: -It is used to select the partition 1.
ACTIVE
FORMAT FS=NTFS: – Formatting is preferred to be done by NTFS than FAT.
ASSIGN
EXIT
6. Do not close the command prompt, minimize it.
7. Insert the CD or DVD containing the windows into the ROM.
8. Pen down the ROM’s drive letter.
9. Restore the command prompt and begin the execution of following commands in the hierarchy given:
D: CD BOOT, press on enter. D is the drive letter of ROM.
CD BOOT, press on enter and BOOTSECT.EXE/NT60 H message will be displayed. H is USB drive letter
10. Copy contents of Linux from DVD to the bootable.
Now your bootable USB drive is ready for use. Follow the steps in hierarchy to install Linux through USB:
Plug in the USB pen drive in the corresponding port and restart the computer.
Before the start of the currently installed operating system, start hitting F8 or DEL (for some other system).
A set-up screen will appear on which there will be a tab named “Boot”. Click on that and change the priority order and set it to USB on the first priority. Click on save and exit.
Processor will automatically detect operating system in USB drive and operating system set up screen will appear.
Enter the serial number of the operating system.
After installation is completed, computer will be restarted.
Install the drivers and computer will be ready for use.
If the idea of using Linux in your business is one that makes you nervous, chances are you’ve fallen prey to one or more of the many myths out there that are frequently disseminated by competing vendors such as Microsoft. After all, each Linux user means one less sale for such companies, so they have a powerful motivation to spread such FUD.
In fact, the ranks of businesses and government organizations using Linux grows every day, and for good reason: it’s simply a good business choice. Let’s take a look, then, at some of the top anxiety-causing myths and dispel them once and for all.
“It’s Hard to Install“
Today, installing Linux is actually easier than installing Windows. Of course, most people don’t install Windows themselves–rather, it comes preinstalled on their hardware, and that’s an option with Linux too, if you’re in the market for a new machine anyway.
If not, however, the best thing to do is first try out the distribution you’re interested in via a Live CD or Live USB. Then, once you decide you like it, you can either install it in dual-boot fashion, so that both Linux and Windows are available to you all the time, or you can install Linux instead of Windows.
Either way, installation has become extremely simple over the years, particularly on distributions such as Ubuntu, Fedora, Linux Mint and openSUSE. Most include a step-by-step wizard and very easy-to-understand graphical tools; they also typically offer a way to automate the process. A full installation will probably take no more than 30 minutes, including basic apps.
“It’s Just for Experts”
That Linux is more difficult to use than Windows and Macs is probably one of the most enduring and yet unjustified myths in existence today. It certainly used to be true–say, 10 years ago. Today, however, the inclusion of attractive graphical user interfaces and other usability improvements in many distributions means that even elementary school children can use Linux easily.
Now, server usage is a different story–just as it is under Windows, for example. And Linux won’t be exactly the same as a Mac or Windows. But on the desktop, if you’re used to the GUI of Windows or Mac OS X, you should have no trouble getting used to Linux. It’s that simple.
“It’s Free, So It Must Be Pirated”
Despite the growing use of free and open source software in governments and other organizations, some people still believe that any software that’s free must be illegally copied. Fortunately, that’s completely false. The notion of “taking” software off the Internet and then “tampering with it” for your own ends can strike litigation fears into the hearts of those unfamiliar with the concept, but fear not! Free and open source software is designed from the start to be free in cost as well as open to modification and improvement. That’s how it works and gets better.
“There’s No Support”
Vendors of proprietary software love to strike more fear into business users’ hearts by painting a picture of the Linux user alone at sea, without anyone to ask for help. Once again, completely false!
First of all, every Linux distribution has an online community with excellent forums for getting help. There are also forums dedicated to small businesses and for newcomers in need of extra explanation. For those who want even more assurance, commercial Linux versions such as Red Hat Enterprise Linux and SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop come with vendor support. It’s entirely up to you which route to choose.
“It’s Not Compatible”
There are very few instances of hardware and software remaining that can’t be used with Linux. One of the operating system’s many advantages, in fact, is that it’s designed not to hog resources, and so doesn’t require the latest, cutting-edge hardware. Most peripherals are compatible as well, particularly in distributions such as Ubuntu.
On the application side, it’s also rare to find a problem. If there is something your business needs that can be run only on Windows, however, there are packages like Wine and Crossover Linux to make that happen. There are also countless comparable and Linux-friendly alternatives that can be easily installed, including all basic productivity packages.
“It’s Less Secure”
Of all the myths perpetuated about Linux, I’d say this is the one with the least merit. The reality, in fact, is quite the reverse: Linux is far *more* secure than either Windows or Macs, as countless examples and security researchers such as Secunia have confirmed. In a nutshell, Linux’s superior security derives from the way privileges are assigned, the fact that it’s open to scrutiny by countless developers the world over, and the diversity of distributions in use.
Ever wonder why you’ve never heard of the Linux equivalent of Microsoft’s “Patch Tuesday”? That’s because there isn’t one–it’s not necessary. Neither is antivirus software. Strange but true.
“It’s Not Reliable”
If you’re using a Mac or Windows, it goes without saying that you are intimately familiar with crashes and downtime. Part of that is due to those systems’ vulnerability to malware, but part is also simply inherent in the software. That’s a big reason why Linux is used so heavily on servers–it almost never goes down. Imagine a day in the life of your business with no downtime!
“Its TCO Is Higher”
Last, but not least, proprietary vendors are notorious for trying to counter Linux’s free price tag with vague fears about its “higher” total cost of operation in the long run. All I can say is, if that were true, why are so many governments and organizations around the globe turning to it in droves, particularly during the tough economic times we’ve had over the past few years?
There are also numerous studies confirming the financial benefits of Linux in a business setting, even with paid support. It’s worth noting, too, that TCO doesn’t explicitly capture the future costs that will be incurred by being locked in with a particular vendor.
Is Linux perfect? Of course not; no operating system is. Nor is it necessarily the best choice for every business. But don’t let the myths hold you back.
The system BIOS can be complicated to someone who is not yet familiar with all of the settings. Here are a few tips to help increase your chances of successfully booting a USB Linux system. If the flash memory stick fails to boot, go back into the system BIOS and try changing some of the following settings (Be sure to take note on any changes you have made). In addition, we have included some other tips to help achieve a successful boot.
BIOS setup tips for USB Boot:
Switch on or off USB keyboard support
Turn off Fast Boot
Disable USB 2.0 support (last resort, this will default to USB 1.1)
Other tips to help you Boot from USB:
These are some other suggestions to help ensure a successful USB Linux Boot:
Unplug USB hubs and extensions (these may draw from the current needed to wake your USB device)
Try using a different USB port. (some frontal ports may not be fully supportive)
Unplug additional USB devices. (I’ve seen something as simple as an IPod halt a system boot)
Sometimes a USB drive may go undetected at startup. If your drive has an LED, ensure that it either flashes or remains solid during system post. If the drive does not respond, remove the drive, then power the system completely down for 15 seconds, reinsert the drive and try again.
Some laptops using a PCMCIA slot may have troubles booting. You may have to tell Linux to ignore PCMCIA during boot. You can do this in the syslinux.cfg file by simply adding “nopcmcia” to the default boot options or by using a cheatcode before boot.
LOK-IT is simply the most secure and convenient USB flash drive ever developed.
Authentication:
Unlike other drives that are reliant upon software authentication, LOK-IT does not require entering the password with a keyboard or mouse attached to the host computer.
Security:
Lok-IT requires a PIN code entry on the device before access to the drive is granted using Data Lock PIN Protection.
All stored data is encrypted using military grade, FIPS approved, AES 256 Bit hardware encryption.
The encryption key is not stored in the memory, it is stored in our security controller.
LOK-IT’s flash memory chip and other vital internal components are coated with an epoxy resin which defeats forced access to all stored data and the encryption key.
Key Features :
LOK-IT is the first encrypted flash drive with enterprise level security that will allow a user to boot directly from the flash drive.
Lok-it Adds Electric Keypad to Secure Flash Drive.
Contact us :
Systematic Development Group, LLC
350 Jim Moran Blvd.
Suite 122
Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
Linux developer Mandriva has updated its operating-system-on-a-stick with the release of Mandriva Flash 2010, which includes a bootable version of the software on a USB Flash drive.
Available from mid-December, Mandriva Flash 2010 puts the latest version of Mandriva Linux onto an 8GB Flash drive, which has 6GB free for a user’s own documents and files.
Click here to find out more!
Mandriva describes this method of distributing the operating system as an ” ideal companion for travellers”, as users can take their desktop with them anywhere.
“Plug in the USB key, boot up your PC and within a handful of seconds the Mandriva Linux 2010 operating system is ready for work, listening to music or surfing the internet,” the company said.
As well as being a “live” version of Linux, users can use Mandriva Flash 2010 to install the operating system onto a workstation PC with just a few clicks.
Mandriva Linux 2010 features a new Smart Desktop, which allows users to group documents and files according to “projects”.
The distribution also includes Mozilla’s Firefox browser and Thunderbird email client, along with Skype, Google Toolbar and the OpenOffice.org application suite.
What Makes a Good Linux Flash Drive?
Running an operating system, such as Linux, on a USB flash drive can have many advantages and there are several options of portable Linux versions that will allow for this. The portability of your information is a big advantage and if the computer is setup to do so, you can boot directly from your Linux flash drive which bypasses the operating system installed on the computer. This allows for a much more secure connection and does not make your authentication password or files visible to the computer.
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