An entire Linux operating system is made to run as a Windows application. The free application portable Ubuntu can be contained in a thumb drive and run on the same machine with Windows 7 installed. it is a standalone package that runs a fairly standard version of the popular Ubuntu Linux distribution that is GNOME-based and orange-colored. As shown in the image below, it pulls all its windows from the running Windows and it does not bother creating its own desktop.

Te portable Ubuntu is easily manageable from Windows and functions well on dual monitors. Any changes made or applications installed are carried around since it is persistent. The Windows and folders and be saved and worked on using the portable Ubuntu. Also, it works on most systems while being entirely run from a thumb drive.

The process is as simple as plugging in the thumb drive each time running Ubuntu is desired on a Windows PC. The best thing here is that it will not require running a separate operating system unlike before where the hard drive is split and both OS are installed in order to obtain dual booting. It’s like running the Ubuntu in Windows as through it was a program and maximizing the window would make the Ubuntu interface to be the only screen seen, as shown below.

http://hacknmod.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/ubuntusc_thumb.jpg

As of this writing, the latest portable Ubuntu package is around 438MB. Double clicking it would unpack it to a folder on Windows Vista or 7. Administrator access is required to open the command prompt. All of the few prompts and applications should be unblocked and then a small, moveable menu bar on the desktop will show.

Any task as a Linux user can also be accomplished from the three pop-out menu items which include Applications, Places, and System. A program will appear in a window that looks like any other Windows system when launched. The Windows files can be taken by opening a file browser form Places, as shown in the image below.

An example is shown below wherein VLC media player is installed for some on-the-go media. It can be tackled manually in Accessories>Terminal or it can be installed from the Add/remove dialog. The VLC will be installed in the Sound & Video menu immediately. Even Firefox browsers can be run simultaneously from the Windows and portable Ubuntu. Other startup applications or system tweaks can also be added to the Ubuntu package.