I'm looking to try and create a mildly customised bootable USB. I'd like to be able to plug it into my work laptop, and ensure that it's up to date with a few packages added on, such as SSHFS and Firefox with a few add-ons. Perfect world it would remember things like network settings too.

Is this possible?

As easy as it can get nowadays.

I use one of two ways to create a live usb. One is to use a virtual machine and the other is to remove internal hard drive from some computer. Either way is to prevent data damage to the host computer's normal OS.

Almost every distro can be installed to a usb just as if it were any hard drive. So, follow my above advice and install your OS choice to the usb following the installer. It should work most of the time just fine. Then you can install the apps that you need to the new usb.

If you have questions then ask.


You can also create custom versions by different tools. I sometimes use SuseStudio.com

So just select the USB drive as the installation path? If I've understood that correctly, then I never realised you could do that! I'll have to buy a bigger USB drive and give it a go!

I shall return post-purchase and install with results or questions.

Thanks!

You have to be VERY careful when "just select the USB drive as the installation path?"

The reason I said to remove hard drive (power is enough) is that newbie's might not read the installer. (advanced users like me too)

A virtual machine also allows one to "attach" the usb to the vm. No need to create a virtual hard drive for the vm even.


Then you can install to the usb.

Aye, I will heed that advice carefully. I do not want to be losing all my data due to silly mistakes!

It used to be goofy installers. Now it may only be did one read the question but still some installers might assume. Pretty easy to protect your install. I have made all the mistakes one can make and I try to only do that once.