Linux on an external HDD

mikedelo · 03-16-2014, 09:57 PM

Can I install linux on an external HDD and boot from different computers or do I have to only use the same laptop each time.

I ask because I would like to install linux on an externall HDD and boot from it on my personal and my work laptop.

Thanks!

Mike

John VV · 03-16-2014, 11:17 PM

yes and NO

A live distro can but an installed one not so much unless the hardware is identical
the same goes for a Microsoft or Apple OS

jefro · 03-17-2014, 04:00 PM

For the most part, a linux distro contains drivers for a wide array of devices. The kernel and drivers are not different between live and installed that I know of.

I make usb installs all the time. The video is usually the only issue I ever have issues, second might be nic issues.

An install to a usb would be the same as an install to a real hard drive.

cascade9 · 03-18-2014, 04:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jefro

The video is usually the only issue I ever have issues, second might be nic issues.

I havent ever had NIC issues, but video issues I've run acorss a couple of times. Mostly from having closed soruce drivers instaled. If you have nvidia 30X.XX drivers installed, the system will only boot with cards comptible with the 30X.XX drivers will work. Similar thing with ATI/AMD.

If yuo're using the open source video drivers it happens much less often, and in those cases its mostly caused by older video chipsets with poor support.

jefro · 03-18-2014, 03:34 PM

Broadcom comes to mind.

It is worth it to try making an external usb install and see how well it does. Be sure to watch out for 32/64 bit. If in doubt, I select 32 bit so it would tend to have a better chance to run on more systems.