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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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External drive encryption question (kbin.social)

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

22 comments fedilink hide all child comments

How should I do it if I want to...

Format external SSD to use with linux
Full drive encryption
Compatible with windows (temporarily)
Preferably do it with KDE GUI

Context: A linux noob. I got a new laptop earlier this year and uses it mainly for tinkering/playing with linux, get competent with it before dropping windows completely on my main desktop. There is a lot of stuff I want to move back and forth between those machines during this learning period.

My idea is to use an external SSD which when I'm done with windows, I can still use it to store work files or any sensitive stuff, so it will need encryption.

Saw a reddit thread saying I still need veracrypt, which I'm totally ok with on windows side but I prefer keeping everything simple on linux side (I only know it can be done without any extra package)

Extra question:
I can possibly store all works and sensitive data on encrypt external and leave root drive unencrypted. In that case, which file system should I use on which drive? Does it matter?

Thank you in advance.

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (8 children)

If you’re only using the external disk for days you could use ntfs with bitlocker and mount that in Linux. When your rest to fully migrate you could then do something Linux only if you wanted.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

That, I didn't think of. Still... I will eventually have to do it the linux way, might as well learn and familiarize with it now.

Forgot to mention that it will be quite a while before I can drop windows completely but for sure I'm not upgrading or doing another windows install.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago

Depending on your specific situation, it could be a solid option to just jump in to whatever distro covers your needs best and just run Windows in a VM. On a current Linux device which previously ran windows, throw this in the terminal:

sudo strings /sys/firmware/acpi/tables/MSDM

and it will source the old Windows product key. You can also just jot down the key by pulling it up in Windows too. But regardless of how it's handled, it makes the VM setup an easier process for sure!

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