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Pocket-Sized Linux: Your Portable Workspace

Saturday, November 22, 2025
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A USB Drive That Does More Than Just Store Files

It's possible with Ventoy. This tool lets you create a recovery drive that also acts as a portable workstation. No more worrying about losing data or reinstalling apps every time you boot up.

The Magic of Persistent Storage

It's like giving your USB drive a memory. You can:

  • Install apps
  • Save files
  • Customize settings

When you reboot, everything stays put. No more logging into browsers or reinstalling extensions. It's a game-changer for anyone who needs a portable system.

How Does It Work?

  1. Create a Ventoy Drive: It's like a USB drive on steroids. You can store multiple operating systems and tools on it.
  2. Enable Persistence: Use a plugin to create some folders, add an ISO file, and use a preconfigured data file. The plugin does the rest.

Limitations

  • Not all Linux distributions support persistence.
  • You need extra space on your USB drive. The maximum ISO data file is 4GB.
  • You need to configure the Ventoy key to work on Secure Boot systems.
  • The 4GB partition size limits what you can do.

Usage

  • Boot up with the Ventoy drive.
  • Select your distro.
  • Choose the persistent boot option.

It's that simple. You can use it on any PC, old or new. The speed depends on the USB port, but it's not too shabby. Even on an old laptop, it's usable.

The Bottom Line

It's not just for fixing problems anymore. It's a portable workstation that you can take anywhere. It's a powerful tool for anyone who needs a flexible, portable system.

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