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.

A tool to create and deploy Windows To Go USB sticks will be available with the release of Windows 8 Enterprise this fall. At a press event at TechEd 2012 this week, Microsoft handed out Windows 8 Release Preview sticks -- Kingston DT Ultimate USB devices, pictured above.

For now, Windows to Go is just a good way to evaluate Windows 8 on your PC without disrupting your current operating system. However, booting Windows 8 from a USB drive can get a bit complicated, so before you give Windows to Go a whirl, check out these instructions and do's and don'ts: