Bootable flash drive, files aren't saving...

[NickWelder]

If you want this you need to set Persistent home/disk.
If you've done that the Files are saved how you want them.
This is really easy to setup.
Especially with PCLinuxOS, have fun.

Can you explain this in detail for me on exactly what that is and how I do it? Remember, I am a newb and need step by step instructions or I am lost completely.

If you would be so kind I would REALLY appreciate it.

An idea I had was this... I was thinking of using a 512mb-1gb thumbdrive as a boot disk. Then using one of my other ones of similar size for all my programs and files. But I didn't know how to set up Linux to save every setting, program installed, file etc to the other disk and read it from the Terminal as if it were on the local boot disk. It would be nice to do it this way because if the boot disk ever has any problems, I can just reformat it, reinstall, and still have all my settings/files on the other thumbdrive.

But I am open to ANY working solution right now.

[RobinVossen]

Well
PCLinuxOS Setting up a persistent home | Pen Drive Linux

I hope that works.
You can also do it in a diffrent way.
And that is just installing it on the pendrive.
But 90% of the pendrives cant handle that and Windows wont be able to read your drive anymore.

[NickWelder]

Well I have a driver that let's me view linux filesystems and read/write to them so it actually would work. Also, I can always boot up from Damn Small Linux and edit system files or fix problems if needed.

Thanks for the link, I will be reading it in a minute.

[NickWelder]

btw, can I setup persistant home on my boot flash drive?

Also, does this persisant home only save OS settings, or does it save downloads, installed programs etc?

[RobinVossen]

persistant home saves the home folder
persistant root saves everhing