viernes, 13 de mayo de 2011

Instalando Linux en un Pendrive paso a paso, con Universal USB Installer

Universal USB Installer, Install, Run Linux From USB

I just got the replacement battery for my Acer Aspire 3810T and decided to make a clean cut. Instead of continuing to use Windows 7 as the operating system I have decided to install the latest Ubuntu on the notebook. I’m not using the device that often, actually only if I’m on holiday, and I thought it would be a good way to start fiddling around with a Linux desktop OS.

The Acer laptop comes without optical drive, which means that I have to install Linux from an USB device. But how do you get the Linux installation files on the USB device and ensure that Linux can be booted and installed from the device?

I remembered that I have reviewed UNetBootin, the Universal Netboot Installer, in 2008. The program is still around and updated regularly to include popular Linux distributions.

A friend recommended a similar program called Universal USB Installer which offered a similar functionality. And since I have not reviewed that program yet, I made the decision to use that program to install Linux on my notebook.

Preparing the USB device

Universal USB Installer is a portable application for Microsoft Windows operating system. Just run it to open the configuration screen. Everything is handled on that screen. Make sure you plug in your USB stick before you start the program, as it will not be recognized by the program otherwise. The stick needs to have a size of at least 2 Gigabytes. It should also be reasonably fast as the copying and installation may take a long time or fail if it is to slow.

universal usb installer

You start by selecting one of the available Linux distributions from the pulldown menu under Step 1. Available are the latest stable releases of Ubuntu, Debian, Linux Mint, Open Suse and a couple dozen more.

You can select to download the ISO from the project homepage, or select an existing ISO image from the local hard drive. Downloads were processed in Microsoft Internet Explorer, even though that was not the default web browser on my computer system.

You select the usb flash drive letter under step 3. Only removable drives are displayed by default. You can override that option to display all drives but that is usually not recommended as installation on a local hard drive may break the installed operating system on those drives.

install ubuntu linux usb

It is recommended to format the drive which will erase all contents stored on it before the Linux distribution is copied to it. Persistent file size is only necessary if you plan to run the Linux system from USB stick. Since my intention was to install it on the notebook, I did not need to configure that storage.

installing ubuntu

Installation of the Linux distribution on the device takes time, especially if the device is not that fast. A progress bar indicates the remaining time and the current state of the copying process.

Using the Linux distribution on USB

Now that Linux has been installed on the USB device, you can make use of it in two different ways. You can plug it into any computer to run Linux directly from the device, or use it to install Linux on that computer. One thing that you probably need to do is to enter the BIOS setup to change the boot order. The notebook’s hard drive is usually the first boot device, and you need to change that so that your USB device comes first and the hard drive second.

The loader of the selected Linux distribution is displayed once you have made the boot order change. It is then just a matter of selecting to Install the Linux distribution on the hard drive, or run it from USB device.

Verdict

The process of copying Linux to an USB device has been pleasant. It took less than five minutes to download and copy all relevant files on the USB device. The first USB stick that I tried caused a problem during installation, probably because it was not fast enough. The second USB stick that I tried was faster and installation commenced without further problems.

Users who want to install Linux on a netbook without optical device can use the Universal USB Installer to do that comfortably. The program is constantly updated with new Linux releases. A download is provided at the developer website. that has been linked above in the article.

Fuente: http://www.ghacks.net/2011/05/09/universal-usb-installer-install-run-linux-from-usb/

PQI presenta unidad flash USB 3.0 más pequeña del mundo

PQI ha estrenado lo que ellos llaman la unidad de almacenamiento flash USB 3.0 más liviana, delgada, corta y pequeña del mundo: la Intelligent Drive U819V. Este dispositivo de 3 centímetros es capaz de un alto desempeño, altas velocidades y es muy fácil de perder.

La compañía dice que tuvieron que superar varios problemas al desarrollar este producto. Cuando se aplicó la tecnología COB a la interfaz USB 3.0, tuvieron que solucionar un problema de sobrecalentamiento. Al mismo tiempo, PQI tuvo que solucionar problemas de lectura causados por el ruido de alta frecuencia.

Las dimensiones exactas de la unidad son 31.5mm x 14.8mm x 7.3mm. Tiene un peso de 3,6g aunque la compañía admite que esto es el promedio y que ese número en realidad podría ir de 3,5 a 3,7g.

El PQI Intelligent Drive U819V tiene un LED en un extremo, el cual titila cuando se está transfiriendo información. La unidad está disponible en capacidades de 4GB a 32GB. Desafortunadamente el precio de estos modelos no ha sido revelado, pero la compañía si dio a conocer que contarán con una garantía de por vida.

La interfaz USB 3.0 ofrece velocidades de hasta 5Gbps, lo cual es 10 veces más rápido que la USB 2.0 (480Mbps), reduciendo significativamente el tiempo que requiere la transmisión de información. Además reduce el consumo de energía, y también es compatible con la interfaz USB 2.0. Esto significa que todas las unidades USB 3.0 funcionan en puertos USB 2.0.

Para ser honesto yo consideraría comprar uno de estos dispositivos especialmente ahora que esto pensado en cambiar mi unidad de 16GB por una de 32GB. Creo que la única preocupación aparte del precio es no perder una unidad tan pequeña.

Fuente: http://www.techspot.com/espanol/noticias/43723-PQI-presenta-unidad-flash-USB-30-mas-pequena-del-mundo.html

Lian Li y su nuevo y excéntrico gabinete PC-U6 Special Edition

Lian Li Introduces Special Edition PC-U6 Cowry Mid-Tower Chassis

Lian Li Industrial Co. Ltd, maker of high-end, all-aluminum computer chassis since 1983, today launches the all-new and extremely stylish special edition PC-U6 Cowry: an all-black, PC case with design characteristics of a seashell. This unique PC chassis provides users with a computer case that exhibits personality and craftsmanship while breaking free of simply being a box to house components.
Inspired by nature, the Cowry appeals to a very specific niche. It is not meant to be hidden under a desk but instead incorporated into its surroundings as a part of decoration and reflection of taste. Until now, PC chassis with unique designs have been marketed towards gamers. With the Cowry an entirely new demographic will begin looking at how their computer case can act as an artistic expression.

The PC-U6 Cowry is extremely versatile with plenty of build space. Users can mount three 3.5” and two 2.5” internal HDDs. All of the HDD mounts are tool-less and come with anti-vibration thumb screws with rubber suspension. Externally, one 5.25” ODD tool-less mount is located at the top of the front-panel. Four, ventilated PCI slots are located on the back-panel with enough space to mount graphics cards as long as 310mm. Micro-ATX or Mini-ITX motherboards mount using thumb-screws within the PC-U6 Cowry as well as a standard ATX PS/2 power supply unit, that mounts at the base of the case right above ventilating holes protected by a washable air filter.

Lian Li's special edition Cowry is thermally-optimized as well. Two side-panel 120mm fans keep airflow constantly circulating to prevent heat buildup. Both fans are protected by washable air filters. A fan speed control-switch has been included as well, allowing users to adjust fan speeds as desired. To further aid airflow, designers have incorporated ventilation holes on the front and rear panels of the PC-U6 Cowry and both are protected by washable air filters. Two, rubber-ringed holes are also included for users to be able to easily mount a liquid cooling system.

This special edition PC case comes with two USB 3.0 ports, one e-SATA port, and HD audio ports; all are located at the base of the front-panel. Also included is one USB 3.0 to USB 2.0 converter. Lian Li has also included cable clamps and openings throughout the case to aid in the internal organization of users' computers. Sparing no expense, for users who wish to add some color to highlight the uniqueness of this case, a 530mm red LED kit is included and can be mounted easily.

The special edition, all-aluminum, PC-U6 weighs in at 4.5kg. Its dimensions are 219mm x 500mm x 410mm (W, H, D).
Traditional Durability
The essence of Lian Li is the craftsmanship of the engineering. Intrinsic to the workmanship and quality of Lian Li's products is their customization capabilities, which include a whole host of optional extras that can be added to an already feature rich product. For more details on features and extras available for the PC-U6, please go to this page.
Product Highlights

  • Unique seashell design
  • Accepts graphics cards up to 310mm long
  • 3 x 3.5” and 2 x 2.5” HDD mounts
  • Supports Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards
  • USB 3.0 ready
  • Two 120mm fans
  • Ventilation on front, back, and bottom panels
  • Availability: Arriving at local distributors end of May
  • MSRP: US$349 (VAT NOT INCLUDED)

Fuente: http://www.techpowerup.com/145546/Lian-Li-Introduces-Special-Edition-PC-U6-Cowry-Mid-Tower-Chassis.html