Linux gurus need some help...

[bubba]

Looking to make a USB drive a swiss army knife virus cleaner.

Is it possible to install a Linux distro to a USB drive, then something like Avast? Wanting something I can stick in any PC boot to the drive and scan the PC, but still be able to update the software with out having to rebuild a live CD/DVD every time I need to update the anti virus.

[dicecca112]

Sure, download unetbootin, install Ubuntu and install ClamAV in Ubuntu

[turnsoutitwas]

Ubuntu would take up too much space imo and is resource hungry, especially when using it on older hardware (Iwho needs compiz on a usb key )

You could try BartPE and use the various plugins instead.
Another option is PloPLinux
it has AVAST and F-Secure AV software included.
http://www.plop.at/en/ploplinux.html

[dicecca112]

Ubuntu would take up too much space imo and is resource hungry, especially when using it on older hardware (Iwho needs compiz on a usb key )

You could try BartPE and use the various plugins instead.
Another option is PloPLinux
it has AVAST and F-Secure AV software included.
http://www.plop.at/en/ploplinux.html

hence you would use server variant

[bubba]

Think I will go the unetbootin/Ubuntu route. Looks easier to do after looking through the steps for the ploplinux. sue me I'm lazy LOL

I tried this way earlier and I can't get the f'n thing to connect to a network. Tried it on 3 machines, just won't do it.

http://www.pendrivelinux.com/usb-kubunt ... g-windows/

[bubba]

Ok that worked with the unetbootin/Ubuntu. Making this post with it now.

Thanks for the help

[dicecca112]

No problem, I love unetbootin, works wonders when you only have a USB and no Optical

[bubba]

This is got me thinking about moving to linux again. Its working faster then my XP box here at work and that is with it on the USB...

[dicecca112]

we are here to help when you do

[bubba]

well crud...

went through got avast on the system and updated, Ubuntu updated everything, restarted for the updates... none of the changes where there

Is there a way to make it persistent or do I have to start over?

[dicecca112]

http://www.pendrivelinux.com/usb-ubuntu ... e-live-cd/

Never done a persistent install myself

[martini161]

i guess im a little late but you might want to try damn small linux

[bubba]

Since I have to redo the updates and all, I used this one

http://www.pendrivelinux.com/live-ubunt ... l-windows/

Was nice and easy, took longer to download the ISO all of 5 mins after the ISO was downloaded.

Worked too, Updated and running. Speed of the drive has a LOT to do with it. My 16gb drive locked up to much, my 2gb was faster but didn't have the breathing room for updates. I have it running on my 8gb drive, can mount and scan NTFS drives. Goal accomplished, will be putting it to use tomorrow on a wide rage of PCs and laptops of varying age.

Put it on my laptop on a USB1 port... painful... gave up after watching it try to boot after 15mins.

If it doesn't work out tomorrow I'll try the D.S.Linux

[Alathald]

For diagnostic thumb drives I still like Knoppix as it is specifically designed to be mobile and also has loads of tools on it.

Knoppix: The "Leatherman" For PCs
The Lazy Guide to Installing Knoppix on a USB Key