I've been an Ubuntu user for a couple years now, and I just recently started making regular backups and trying different configurations.  I'm booting Ubuntu 8.04 on two separate 8gb USB keychain drives and one full desktop system.  The desktop system serves as a secondary workstation as well as a backup center.

I make exact full-disk images of my keychain drives and currently have the following variations:

1. Ubuntu 8.04 clean install + patches
2. Ubuntu 8.04 clean install + patches + MP3 Support + DVD Video Support
3. #2 + Wine 1.1.5
4. #3 + Office 2003
5. #3 + Office 2007

After quite a bit of research, I learned that the bootloader (grub) must be reinstalled before the system can boot from the USB stick.  I'll detail that process in a separate post.

-Scott ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )