developerWorks: Boot Linux from a FireWire Device

“Say you want to use Linux in a dual-boot arrangement, but you
don’t have any free space on your computer’s hard drive. One
solution would be to use a ‘live’ Linux distribution such as
Knoppix, which can be run directly from CD. This is certainly
viable for occasional use, but it has a number of serious
drawbacks:

• “You will still require some permanent storage for your data
  files. A floppy disk may be suitable if you only work with very
  small files, or a USB flash memory key may suffice for medium-sized
  files, but neither of these is ideal.
• “When using a ‘live’ CD, it is at best difficult–and at worst,
  impossible–to install your own applications, or to customize
  existing applications…”

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