Mandriva has refreshed its Linux-on-a-stick distribution to put the pocket-sized operating system in line with its desktop Mandriva Linux 2009 Spring release.

The Mandriva Flash 2009 Spring edition also adds an option of installing the environment onto a home workstation if you're not going anywhere - or maybe just have really enormous pockets.

Updates from the Flash 2008 Spring OS include a look-and-feel derived from regular Mandriva Linux 2009 Spring release. Ezboot has also been upgraded for better booting and Codeina now allows users to manage the codecs.

The dongle's pre-installed third-party extras include Mozilla Firefox, Mozilla Thunderbird, Skype, and the Open Office suite. Additional software and updates are installed right on the key, like a regular Linux installation.

Mandriva Flash 2009 Spring is available now for €49.90 ($59.90, £42.90). The USB unit comes with one month of web support through Mandriva Expert, and support for English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Finnish, Dutch, Portuguese, and Swedish. ®

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