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.

  • @[email protected]
    1•1 year ago

    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•1 year ago

      That’s what I do on my external drive. Used to use Windows so bitlocker it was with NTFS.

      Now on Linux I just use it normally as its recognized without any problem.

      I’m sure as hell not gonna erase my data to inplant veracrypt just for the sake of it.

      For future drives, veracrypt it is.

    • g6d3np81OP
      1•1 year ago

      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.