I'm looking for a Linux distribution that I can run from a USB stick, but I want it to save my files and settings, unlike typical Live ISOs that don't retain any changes. I'm interested in being able to carry my own 'workstation' and continue my work on any PC without losing my data. What are some distros that can achieve this, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of using them? Just a heads up, I won't be using this as my main OS since I have job commitments, but it sounds like a fun experiment!
1 Answer
Absolutely, there are several Linux distros that can be run from a USB stick with persistence, allowing you to save files and settings! For instance, distros like MX Linux and antiX really shine here. You'll need to do an installation on the USB itself rather than just running it live. While many distros can run from USB, they often reset when rebooting unless you set up persistence. One interesting suggestion is to use a USB enclosure for a SATA or NVMe drive, which could greatly improve speed compared to standard USB sticks. Just keep in mind that even with persistence, running from a USB might be slower than from an internal drive.
That's great advice! Although you'd still face limitations due to USB speeds, loading the whole OS into RAM could be a better solution, but you'd need to find a distro that supports that. I'll have to look into it!