Possible to run Ubuntu off a portable hard drive such as WD Passport

[Samji]

I am considering purchasing a portable hard drive such as a WD Passport for the purpose of running Ubuntu Linux off it and storing my Linux-related files on it whilst running Ubuntu. I figured theoretically it is possible, but I thought I would check in advance before I bought something which was no use for what I wanted it for.

Thanks in advance.

*PS-> Sorry I noticed afterwards that I placed this on the wrong board, it belongs really in either hardware or possibly to a greater degree - software.

[Foxy]

1) There are special distros meant to be put on external drives.
2) Is partitioning the disk going to be a bitch? These drives are usually preformatted FAT, so I would guess jiggery-pokery would be required to get swap partitions etc on it.

[Fragger00]

I'm pretty sure Linux will see an external hard drive as just another hard drive. You should be able to format it with multiple partitions with no problems. I haven't tried this myself yet, but plan to do so soon.

I know Windows can only see the first partition on some kinds of external storage devices. I pretty sure Linux does not have this problem.

[Rellik66]

Generally speaking, your BIOS will need to support booting from a USB device. Most modern ones do.

Also Ubuntu, may not recognize certain USB devices, I have a USB to IDE adapter that Ubuntu did not recognize, (it didn't show up in the partition manager,) but the BIOS does recognize it.

Right now I am installing Ubuntu on a IDE drive internally, then i will try to boot it using the USB to IDE adapter.

update:

well shoot, it failed completely. By no means does this say that it won't work it just means that my USB->IDE adapter probably sucks.

Update2:

Interesting, Ubuntu recognized my 1gb flash USB drive, so that means there is hope, just make sure you choose the right drive when partitioning.

[Samji]

Okay. Thanks for the feedback, guys. I'll probably invest in a 40GB or so hard drive anyway, because even if it ends up I can't use it for running an OS, I'll still be able to use it for backups, etc.

[8IronBob]

Well, having a Seagate 160 GB 7200 RPM External HDD myself, I was going to make that a Linux HDD with Ubuntu Dapper Drake, thanks for bringing up this thread. Since my notebook only has an 80 GB internal HDD, I don't see a good 40/40 partition, because of the fact that games are too big, and a partition like that would make things worse instead of better. I mean, I can see partitioning at least a 200 GB HDD, but for something as small as 80 GB, I don't see that happening, I'm afraid...

EDIT: After seeing a post that said that USB jump drives/memory cards can be used, I'm hoping for at least a 4 GB SD Card to see if Ubuntu can run off of that altogether. Between an SD Card (just as long as there are at least 4 GB SD Cards on the horizon, to just run it), or a Seagate External HDD, I may have more options than I think.

EDIT #2: Ahh, here we go, there IS a 4 GB SD Card, and not all that shabby of a price, and seems to have some great reviews. Wonder if this would handle an operating system such as Ubuntu Linux, tho... Hmm...

http://www.amazon.com/OEM-Turbo-Speed-Secure-Digital/dp/B000FNEIM8/sr=8-5/qid=1166628537/ref=pd_bbs_5/102-4203174-4282516?ie=UTF8&s=electronics

EDIT #3: Okay, I got this, Ubuntu seems to be recognizing my Seagate, so I'll try installing on there, and see if it'll boot into that Seagate when I restart my notebook.

[Rellik66]

BTW, for those looking to install Linux on smaller flash drives, http://www.pendrivelinux.com has some how-tos.

I went with All-in-one USB PCLinux (http://www.pendrivelinux.com/2006/09/19/all-in-one-usb-pclinuxos-minimezip/)

Now if only I had some time to tinker..

[8IronBob]

Yeah, the trouble is, even tho the Seagate IS recognized on the notebook, Ubuntu just won't install without being a pain in the ass. Someone recommended me to install either Fedora Core or SuSE on an external drive. Whether a proprietary distro like that would be better for an external HDD or not, I'm gonna have to see what that will do for me...

[Rellik66]

Y'know it's really weird, I hooked up the USB to IDE adaptor to my laptop, and was able to install Ubuntu with no problems other than a bad MD5 sum on one package off of the CD. Cool thing is that everything works, even my wireless card! oh, and this post is from my laptop using Ubuntu.

I might just upgrade my Laptops HD just so I can dual boot...

[Samji]

I picked up a 160GB Seagate for around £60 (c. $118) online. It was in the sale so I snapped it up, looking online (UK retailers anyway) most hard drives were around that price for 60GB (that was WD though. AFAIK they are generally more expensive). But either way not too shabby. :) It's probably useful to have even if I can't run any Linux of it. But in your case Rellik, its looks plausible. :cool:

[Samji]

I got my drive yesterday (quick delivery :D). I've tried installing Ubuntu (Edgey) to it, but so far its either failed or when I start it up GRUB has been installed to the MBR and it boots into the welcome screen, but the mouse cursor has frozen / sometimes a crash in the whole system and that also happens during my installation attempts.

Does anyone think its something to do with me using the i386 version on a computer that has a AMD 64 processor? Thanks for any suggestions in advance. I used the i386 version as I thought it would be more portable, as I can also use it on my laptop (which has a Celeron M processor).