Today, I read about a new netbook (running Linux, of course) that stores its operating system on a USB key, presumably so that you can take it out and bring your file and settings to any computer. The first time I skimmed the article, I misread it and didn’t see that it ran Linux. Later, I realized that it must run Linux, since you just couldn’t do that with Windows. It does, in fact, run Linux, but that got me thinking: what would happen if you tried to keep your Windows installation on a USB key and use it on any computer you ran into, like many people do with Linux?

It would probably go something like this:

Windows has found new hardware. Please insert driver CDs.

Windows must be re-activated. Please enter the license code on the back of the original box.

Windows is running low on space on your 32GB flash drive. Please delete files to free up space.

Windows has been activated too many times. Please sit on hold for an hour and explain your situation.

And, finally… Windows got a virus and has been spreading it to every machine you’ve touched.

This is just in case you didn’t believe that anti-piracy measures hinder innovation.