Live USBs are a USB flash drive that contains a full operating system that can be booted.  These drives are related to live CDs.  They have an advantage over live CDs in the way that they are able to save settings and permanently install software back to the device itself.  They can also be used in imbedded systems for system administration, data recovery, or system testing.  This is done without having to commit to permanent installation on the hard drive.  Live USBs are more commonly used with Linux systems.

Live USBs have many advantages and limitations when compared to the live CD.  Unlike live CDs the data contained can be changed and stored.  At the same time, people are able to carry their favorite operating system with them.  There is enhanced privacy with live USBs is due to the compact size and ability to store it in smaller places or carry it with you.  Live USBs usually start faster, though this is not true if a computer is lacking USB 2.0 support.  Older computers may not have BIOS that supports USB booting.  In this case, an initial bootable CD may be needed.  Due to the writing cycles of the live USB, the life of the flash drive is reduced.  This is not a worry with live CDs.

With the know-how, you can find programs that will help you to create custom USBs.  You can search the internet to find these programs that will support Windows or Linux operating systems.  In order to do this, you will need a broadband internet connection.  Some people find that creating their own custom USB suits them better.  It takes up very little space on the USB drive as well.  This allows you to personalize your live USB to your business and personal needs.

Many programs can create a live USB that is compatible with Windows and Linux.  The install for programs are completely non-destructive.  Due to this, there is no need to deal with formatting or partitioning your custom USB key.  Various programs also support automatic downloads through Fedora and Sugar on a Stick.  Storage creation is persistent, so you can save files and make modifications that will remain and persist after you reboot your system.  You are also protected when it comes to making sure that you have downloaded the correct elements.

Many, many sites are available on the internet which allows you to buy live or custom USBs.  There is also an endless amount of support on these sites to answer your questions as to what you may need, or step by step instructions to create your own.  The options that you have with live USBs are extremely vast.

There are many advantages to a live USB.  It can make life much more convenient for those who travel as well as using multiple computers. There is no more worrying about whether you are going to have the file support and programs that you need when you are traveling around.  It is a wise investment.