Using USB memory key as boot directory for older computer?

[Leo Mauler]

The PC will have 384MB to start with (the older
PC100/PC133 DIMMs), and I'm getting a 256MB stick soon
to upgrade it to 512MB: three slots, so right now
three 128MB sticks; later two 128MB sticks and one
256MB stick.  Adequate RAM for most things.

DSL is nice for some situations, but I'd prefer a
complete Linux install over an install that fits on a
64MB pendrive.

I figure I'll reformat the pendrive to ext2 instead of
ext3.  One of my existing machines has a /boot
formatted to ext2, and that system doesn't seem to
have minded a dozen sudden power failures over the
past two years.

--- Brian Kelsay <ripcrd at gmail.com> wrote:

> You mentioned using a CD to install, but you want 
> to boot from a USB pendrive; you can do this with 
> DamnSmallLinux, although I doubt it fits in your 
> plan for using a modern PC.  You didn't say how 
> much RAM the PC will have.  Debian or Ubuntu 
> should work also, since DamnSmall is based on 
> Debian, but DSL specifically has this in their
> installer, install to USB and the whole thing 
> will fit in 64MB of space.  I assume that to do 
> so with Debian or Ubuntu  would just require you 
> to mkdir a mount point for the pendrive, then 
> mount the pendrive as read/write prior to 
> starting the installation.  That will allow you 
> to designate /dev/sda1 or /mnt/sda1 as /boot 
> when the time comes to setup the filesystem with 
> the installer.
> 
> Brian
> 
> On 6/28/07, Leo Mauler <> wrote:
> > Can anyone direct me to some assistance in 
> > getting a distribution installer (CD 
> > distribution) to recognize the USB memory 
> > key at boot time, so that it can be used as 
> > /boot?  Also, does the USB key need to be
> > initialized as bootable before beginning 
> > the Linux installation?


       
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