This tutorial will walk you through the process of creating a bootable, persistent USB drive for Eeebuntu, allowing you to save settings, files, and changes across sessions. Eeebuntu is a specialized, lightweight operating system based on Ubuntu, designed to optimize performance on Asus EeePC netbooks. With its tailored interface and low resource requirements, this small Linux distro is a great choice for users seeking an efficient, portable OS.
About Eeebuntu
Eeebuntu (Easy Peasy Ubuntu) is a customized version of Ubuntu tailored specifically for the Asus EeePC and other low-powered netbooks. Originally released as an optimized OS for EeePC users, it provides a seamless experience for lightweight devices, featuring:
- Optimized Performance: It's stripped down to bare essentials, allowing for faster boot and load times on devices with limited RAM and storage.
- Compatibility with EeePC Hardware: Preloaded drivers and settings are customized for EeePC, which enhances hardware compatibility and minimizes troubleshooting.
- Familiar Ubuntu Environment: A Live Linux distribution that retains the look and functionality of Ubuntu, making it familiar for users already accustomed to the Ubuntu desktop experience.
- Lightweight Applications: Comes with lightweight applications, reducing memory and CPU load, ideal for lower-spec machines.
- Persistence Capability: When used on a persistent USB drive, Eeebuntu can save session data, files, and customizations, making it versatile for portable use.
For more details on Eeebuntu, visit the official project page on SourceForge.
What You'll Need
- 2 GB or Larger USB Flash Drive (4GB or larger for additional storage)
- Persistent Feature: Yes
- Eeebuntu ISO (Standard Edition)
- Windows PC
- Universal USB Installer (UUI)
Making a Persistent Eeebuntu Bootable USB
Note: This tutorial includes the persistent feature, meaning your Eeebuntu USB setup could remember and restore changes made during your session, similar to Ubuntu’s persistence capabilities.
- Download the Eeebuntu ISO: Download the latest version of the ISO file.
- Download Universal USB Installer: Run UUI on your Windows PC.
- Select Your USB Drive: Choose your USB flash drive from the drop list of devices and check the box to prepare the drive.
- Choose and Browse to your ISO: Select "Eeeubuntu" or "Try Unlisted ISO/IMG" from the dropdown list of distributions.
- Enable Persistence: To save session data, check the option for persistence if prompted. This enables you to save system configuration changes, files, and settings, making your USB bootable drive even more useful.
- Complete Installation: Click "Create" and allow the tool to complete the installation. This may take several minutes depending on the speed of your computer, USB port and flash drive.
- Set Your Computer to Boot from USB: After installation, restart your PC. Enter the BIOS settings or Boot Menu (usually by pressing F2, F12, Esc, or Del during startup), and set your USB device as the first boot option.
- Boot from the Linux USB: Save changes and exit the BIOS settings. Your computer should now boot from the USB flash drive, launching Eeebuntu as a portable Live Linux USB operating system.
Benefits of Using a Persistent Eeebuntu USB Drive
A bootable, persistent Eeebuntu USB drive is a powerful tool for portable computing. It allows you to:
- Carry your operating system and files anywhere and use them on multiple computers.
- Save personal data, system updates, and applications between sessions, unlike a standard live USB.
- Enjoy faster loading times on an optimized OS for Asus EeePC or compatible hardware.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If your USB drive doesn’t boot, verify that the BIOS settings prioritize USB boot or consult your computer's manual for the correct boot sequence.
- Make sure your USB drive is properly formatted as FAT32. This format is required by UUI for installation.
- If persistence isn’t working, double-check the settings in UUI to confirm that you enabled the persistent option during setup.
FAQ
- What is the difference between a persistent and non-persistent Eeebuntu USB drive?
- A persistent USB drive allows you to save changes, files, and system settings, making your experience customizable and portable. A non-persistent drive does not retain any changes between reboots.
- Can I use Eeebuntu on other devices besides an Asus EeePC?
- Yes! While Eeebuntu is optimized for the Asus EeePC, it works on other compatible hardware. It’s a great choice for older or low-powered laptops and netbooks as well.
- What should I do if Eeebuntu doesn’t boot from my USB drive?
- Check your BIOS settings to ensure that the USB boot priority is set correctly. Also, make sure your USB drive is formatted to FAT32, as this is required for the installation process.
- Is Eeebuntu still actively maintained?
- No, Eeebuntu is no longer actively maintained; it is considered an outdated abandoned project, meaning there are no longer any updates being made. While development has ceased, it still remains a solid choice for netbook systems and older hardware. However, you should be aware that official support will likely be non-existent.
Final Thoughts
By following this tutorial, you’ve successfully set up a persistent Eeebuntu USB drive that can now be used as a fully functional and portable operating system. Whether you need a lightweight OS for an old laptop or a handy tool for troubleshooting and secure browsing, Eeebuntu provides an excellent, easily customizable experience.
While this distro might not be as actively maintained as other Linux distributions, it might still provide all the core functionality you need for portable computing. With this setup, you can carry your operating system, files, and personal settings on the go, and boot up on any compatible machine. With persistence enabled, your changes can also be saved and restored on subsequent reboots, so you can always be ready to plug and play with this pocket OS.
For users looking to take their Linux experience further, you might consider looking into other portable Live Linux ISO distributions that might better suite your needs and can be booted and run entirely from a USB flash drive.