No, it needs to be installed on an internal hard disk. But you can install it in a virtual machine under Linux to start studying it.
Kees
Hi, I'd like to know if it's possible to run the Vista installer from CD, and install Vista onto a 16 GiB USB flash drive?
I can't find anything about it on the web, only about how to run the Vista installer FROM a flash drive.
If I can get this to work you can expect a bunch of n00b questions from me; I've never really used Windows before, only Linux.
Also, my computer has an RTL8187-based wifi card that works out-of-the-box on Linux; will this work out-of-the-box on Vista or should I hunt around for a Windows driver for it?

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic