How Can I Store a Linux Distro on an SSD Before the New ID Laws Kick In?

Honestly, putting an OS on an SSD may not really change how the upcoming laws affect you. The law doesn't need you to provide an ID directly; it requires the OS to supply age data to services. So, even with an SSD, if a service asks for your age, it won't help you evade the law.

Just to clarify, the recent laws are affecting Colorado too, right? It's a bit confusing since it seems policies are changing everywhere.

If you're just looking to download and store the ISO somewhere, it's pretty straightforward—you can download it and copy it onto any storage medium. Find a VPN to keep your identity under wraps while you do this.

You don't have to store the OS on an SSD necessarily. Just create a bootable USB drive with the distro you want and keep it safe. You can use services like MegaCloud to store your files online securely—plus they have a Linux client.

A solid option is to use an external SSD in an enclosure. This way, you can carry your OS around easily and use it on different computers without being tied down. Just create a bootable USB like you typically would, connect the SSD, and select it as the installation destination during the install process. Don't forget to encrypt the disk for added safety!