apt-get / dpkg error: unable to access dpkg status area

[Nitromethane1261]

Anytime I try to install anyting with apt-get or dpkg I get the following:

dpkg: unable to access dpkg status area: Read-only file system
W: Not using locking for read only lock file /var/lib/dpkg/lock
W: You may want to run apt-get update to correct these problems
E: Sub-process /usr/bin/dpkg returned an error code (2)

From what I'm reading I should do a HD install to use apt-get, but the thing I love about Knoppix is its portability between computers, I can go to anyones computer, shove in a CD, stick my 512mb USB key in the USB port and boom, I have all my stuff.

Is there a cheat/trick I can do to make dpkg install to my USB key so I can install packages without having to do a HD install?

[metavoid]

that should be possible

check out
http://www.knoppix.net/docs/index.php/InstallSoftwareHowTo

[mzilikazi]

Is there a cheat/trick I can do to make dpkg install to my USB key so I can install packages without having to do a HD install?

No.

You can use klik and install whatever apps are available through klik. In time klik *may* support any pkg in Debian but it does not at this moment.