My Linux desktop fits on a USB drive, and it boots the same on any PC I use

Linux offers many advantages over Windows, allowing users to quickly boot up a usable PC without installing anything. A live USB for a Linux distribution can give users access to essential applications like a web browser and certain apps, but personal data is typically lost when the PC is turned off.

To overcome this limitation, one can create a fully functional operating system with persistent data on a USB drive. There are various Linux distributions that support this feature natively, such as Tails. However, not all data is saved across sessions, leading to inconsistencies in the desktop experience.

To achieve persistent data on a live USB, the author used two USB drives: a smaller one acting as a typical live USB and a larger 128GB portable SSD enclosure. The user booted their preferred Linux distribution from the live USB, selected the SSD as the installation target, and followed the setup process. This setup provides a desktop experience similar to a regular PC, with the added benefit of being portable and not affecting the host computer's data.

While performance may be slightly slower due to read and write speeds being inferior to a built-in SSD, the author found that it did not hinder their work significantly. Apps like Vivaldi, OnlyOffice, and Discord were installed, along with a launcher and Discord for communication. The user was able to browse the web, access their websites, and even perform some image editing using Photopea without any issues.

This portable Linux setup allows users to use any computer without leaving a trace on the host system. It is particularly useful for borrowing computers or working in environments with restricted access. However, it is essential to note that the USB drive experiences heavy usage and may fail over time, while an SSD is likely to last longer. Despite this downside, the investment in a reliable SSD may be worthwhile for those who rely on this setup long-term.