For instructions on installing SLAX, the Linux Slackware distro that can fit on a flash drive, use these quick ones.  One important thing to check is that the BIOS of the computer that you want to run this on is able to boot from a flash drive. 

Running Mac on Flash Drive

I finally tried this project as it is explained on the nothickmanuals website under the mini vMac project. Unfortunately I tried to follow the instructions written for a MAC on a Windows computer and was stopped very early on by my inability to "Unpack the System_7.0.1.smi.bin archive and move the image files into the Mac-on-Stick folder" (mini vMac project). A forum suggested that Windows users use Stuffit Expander but I'm not interested in installing that trial software. Luckily I do have access to some Macs so I will continue the project very soon.

Tiny Mac Emulator

Yet again someone has come up with a clever way to use a flash drive. The Mini vMac Project instructions explain every step from downloading to image loading. 

the requirements include:

"For this project, let’s call it Mac-on-Stick, you need the following components:

• The Mini vMac emulator. The emulator is available for both Mac OS (Classic and OS X), Windows, Linux, and even Pocket PC.
• A ROM image. If you own Macintosh Plus, 128K, or SE, you can copy the ROM using the CopyRoms utility. Alternatively, you can download a ROM image from http://www.rolli.ch/MacPlus/welcome.html.
• A blank disk image that acts as the emulator’s hard disk (available from http://minivmac.sourceforge.net/extras/blanks.html).
• System software. Luckily, Apple offers older versions of its software, including Mac OS up to version 7.5.5, at the Older Software Downloads page. This project uses System 7.0.1
• Macintosh software to play with. For starters, you might want to check out a list of older Mac software at Mini vMac's website.
• A USB key (even an older 32MB USB key will do the job)." (Mini vMac Project)

As soon as I find the free time and an excuse, this looks like it will be a lot of fun.  The software for Mini vMac hosted on SourceForge as well as the low memory requirement (a 32 mb key works) make this even more useful. 

I’ve been ogling flash drives for over a year now.  Yes I do know that I can get one for $20.00 but I am not one to rush into things quickly.  Well, at least not until I saw the new U3 platform.  U3 is everything that I wanted to be able to do on a flash drive but it is quickly becoming a standard that application developers will design for so unlike each drive company licensing a different migration utility there will actually be some economy of scale here for the consumer.  U3 is basically a portable operating system that carries your data, personalized settings, and useful applications and makes it all portable.  Imagine being able to make a Skype call on someone else’s computer with all of your presets saved but leave the computer without leaving a trace.  The U3 website is full of not only drive suggestions but also free and purchasable applications.  I think a short distance back it may have sounded like I put on a yellow tie and started to try to sell old model cars for a living but the truth is I'm just excited and waiting for a year has sort of made me crazy. 

My drive of choice is Memorex's U3 smart drive Mini TravelDrive with 512MB of memory.  It comes with 3 preloaded applications: Mozilla Thunderbird, McAfee Anti-Virus, and Migo for file syncing.  Once I get it I'll quickly add the free Skype, Firefox, and Trillian IM software available online.  I made my decision using the PC Magazine review of U3 drives, and the password protection feature added to the Editor's Choice Award won me over.  So, sorry about all the salesman talk but I’m really looking forward to having this convenient drive for school next semester. 

If someone were to want to buy this for me ;) hint hint...PC Magazine has a price comparison site. Amazon has a good deal on it right now($40.00 with free shipping/disregard the strangely high list price they claim, it's all part of the great imaginary savings).