Installing ubuntu permanently on USB
 

Hello guys, I was looking into whether it is possible to install ubuntu permanently on a usb/external HD and I came across this https://wiki.ubuntu.com/LiveUsbPendrivePersistent
Now, what I don't seem to understand though is whether I can also save files (say documents etc), settings and install programs (say thunderbird etc) on the usb that I will then be using when booting from it on another machine. The idea is that I would like to carry a usb with Ubuntu and all my files and programs on it and use it on any machine. Is that possible?
thanks

Yes, you should be able to save changes to the system and also directories/files. There may be a limit as to the size. The info on usb-creator with Ubuntu is a method I have used. The link below has some information on using it. You can also create persistence with unetbootin.

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/In...n/FromUSBStick

Using a persistent live version isn't really the ideal way to do it. I recommend putting the live version on a small USB drive or CD, booting that, and doing a full install to the USB drive you want to carry. It works much better, IME.

Go on ubuntuforums.org and search for posts by user C.S. Cameron--his tutorials are the best. :)

you can BUT
there might be speed issues .As in it might be so slow that it is almost not usable

burn the installer to a dvd
pop in the dvd AND usb thumb drive and reboot
then install TO THE USB !! and not the harddrive

you might NEED to pay EXTRA attention to where grub is installed
I do not know about ubuntu but Fedora 19 and 20 and kail all auto set the usb as where to but grub