USB booting :: Apps not saving

Ok, I am a newb when it comes to Linux but I like think I can figure most things out.

I have a 128mb Dell USB thumb drive with the 2.4 USBZIP install. Everything appears to work fine and I have been succesful in testing what I will be using DSL for but it wont stick.

Every time I install Synaptic and any other app from there, I can't get my settings to save. I want CUPS and VNC Server to stick, thats it.

I have tried editing the .filetool.lst file but I must not be doing something right or saving the right directory. In the forums they keep talking about extensions and copying them to a persistant drive to be backed but I dont even see these extensions. I have SDA1 & SDA2. I believe SDA1 is where DSL is loaded and I believe it is read only. SDA2 is where the backup & restore is loaded but it doesnt even automount so I dont understand how that works.

Walk me through this please.

Anyone out there>??

Seems like your mixing apples and oranges.
Synaptic and Debian packages are recommended for traditional hard drive installed systems. myDSL extensions are for frugal installs on flash, pendrives, and hard drive partitions. Trying to apply mydsl techniques to Debian packages is not the same.

When you boot DSL, dillo displays a help page explaining the different types of installs. I recommend you read that page 5 times over 5 days.

the usbzip install is a 'frugal' type install. you put 'mydsl' type packages in your 'mydsl' or boot directory. Each time you boot they load up. Settings are normally saved in your 'home' directory which you can autosave to sda2 or any other device of your choice.

but seeing as you are in the 'i want it to stick' crowd, i think you'll probably end up buying a hard disk and going for a hd-install, in which case you did everything right except for the hd-install.

original here.