At Microsoft TechEd 2012 this week in Orlando, Fla., the term "Windows to Go" was thrown around more than "cloud."
Ok, it wasn't thrown around that much. But this new enterprise feature in Windows 8 had IT Pros all aflutter about the ability to boot a full Windows 8 image on any
Windows 7 computer via a USB-connected thumb drive.
The best use case for Windows to Go is for contract workers or freelance employees who need access to the OS and apps, but not all of the permissions relegated to full-time employees. Windows To Go does not access the resources on the PC's local hard drive; it uses the USB drive as the local hard drive.
It's worth noting that the Windows 8 running on a Windows To Go USB stick will not be a virtualized version of Windows 8. It really will be Windows 8, the Enterprise version of Windows 8 no less. Also, the USB stick can be encrypted using BitLocker if your IT group chooses. So if you lose the USB stick or it gets stolen, the data will be bulletproof.
