How to Install Linux Ubuntu 8.04 Hardy Heron onto a USB Flash Drive

Ubuntu is fast becoming one of the most famous of all Linux distros, offering frequent updates, wide support, and simple, no-technical-knowledge-needed use for everyday computer users. The latest release in 8.04, codenamed Hardy Heron, and it possess a unique feature - the ability to be installed onto a USB flash drive in addition to a hard drive.

If you'd like to try or use Ubuntu Hardy Heron, but you don't want to install it your hard drive, a USB install may be the best option for you, as it won't drain your battery as fast having your optical drive spinning endlessly. To learn how to install Ubuntu 8.04 onto a USB thumb drive, read on.

Items Needed:

Minimum 4GB USB thumb drive

Ubuntu Hardy Heron ISO

Computer with optical burner

Black CD

Step 1: Download the official Ubuntu 8.04 (Hardy Heron) ISO file from the Ubuntu website. Download the correct version for the system you would like to run the OS on (64-bit, etc). Depending on your Internet connection, the download could take an hour or longer to download.

Step 2: Once the ISO is finished downloading, you will need to burn it to a blank CD. Your system should already have software installed to burn it. If you do not, however, there is a variety of programs to do this. I recommend either Alcohol 120% or ImgBurn.

Step 3: After the CD is burned, insert it into your CD drive and restart your computer. Once it reaches BIOS, alter your boot setup to run from CD/DVD Drive before internal hard drive. When finished, choose 'save', and then 'exit'. The system will restart, and then boot from the CD in your system.

Step 4: A menu will appear, along with the Ubuntu logo. Choose 'try Ubuntu without altering your computer', and wait for the system to start up. It may take a while, especially on older computers.

Step 5: The system will start as normal, and be the full-functioning operating system - don't worry, it won't harm your computer in any way. Plug your USB plug into the computer. An icon will appear on the Desktop.

Step 6: On the Desktop will be an icon that looks like a hard drive - it will say 'INSTALL'. Double-click this icon and wait for the installation wizard to appear. The wizard is very simple to follow - just choose your time zone, keyboard layout, and language.

In the partition manager that appears next, you will see a three check boxes. Choose the third one. You should see your USB drive listed - for example, SanDisk Cruzer, Lexar, etc - it may just say 'USB xGB'. Choose that drive, and then click the 'next' button.

Step 7: Wait for it to install all the files, then enter a username and password. On the final box, choose the 'advanced' button and choose to make the boot file on the flash drive.

Step 8: Wait for it to finish installing. The system will tell you when it is okay to shut down the system. Shut down, and then remove the CD. Try the USB drive to see if it works as it should. You will need to change the boot sequence to boot from USB before CD drive.