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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Looking for a good distro for use on a USB stick (lemmy.world)

submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I have some USB sticks, and I want to use them as portable Linux USBs. However, I am stuck on which distro will function the best. Here are my possible options:

Fedora KDE Spin (installed directly to the USB)
Fedora KDE Spin (in live mode, but with persistence)
Fedora Kinoite (installed directly to the USB)
EndeavourOS

I do have a USB3 flash drive, but I would like something suitable for USB2 speeds, if that will give okay speeds. I would also prefer to use a Fedora distro, however if troubleshooting Fedora is as easy as Endeavour, then I don't mind.

I will also be installing other programs (Steam, LibreOffice, etc.) onto the USB after I install the OS.

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[–] [email protected] 15 points 1 year ago (1 children)

From what I've heart it isn't recommended to use an OS persistently on an USB-stick. Not is it slower, the constant read and writes may damage it, since it isn't made for that.

Please correct me if I remembered it wrong.

[–] [email protected] 13 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (2 children)

In the basis you are right. But nowadays a good large USB stick shut be able to handle it fine over a long period. I would recommend to put the cache and temp directory's on a memory drive. that way you do not constantly stress out the USB.

On the other hand nowadays their are USB cases for M.2 SSDs. this would eliminate the entire problem.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

On the other hand nowadays their are USB cases for M.2 SSDs. this would eliminate the entire problem.

I had no idea this was a thing. Looks like you can get little 2230 (W: 22mm, L: 30mm) drives too so it's not like it has to be some super long thumbdrive or dongle setup.

I love the idea of moving my OS from PC to PC with me. Always configured how I like it. I don't know how well it'll work in practice, with real world performance or hardware changes between PCs, but I might have to give it a shot.

Thanks for the tip.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

I clonezilla my desktop install to an external m2. It's always there if I need it.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Not to mention a m2 ssd external case!!

Oh .. I only read your first sentence.