How long do you use USB drives for live Linux systems? (infosec.pub)

submitted 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) by occultist8128@infosec.pub to c/linux4noobs@programming.dev

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i’ve been using a USB 2.0 drive to run a live linux OS for the past couple of years, mostly for storing linux ISOs, installing linux on laptops and live persistence. lately, i’ve noticed a huge drop in write speed, currently around 1.8 MB/s, which is pretty slow for the tasks i do. i'm planning to replace it with a USB 3.0 drive in the future, but i wanted to ask:

how long have you typically used a USB drive for live linux systems, including for live persistence??
do you still use USB 2.0, or did you upgrade to a 3.0 or higher?
any tips to extend the lifespan of a USB drive when using it for live linux systems?

i'm mainly looking for advice and insights on how others manage their USB drives for similar use cases. thanks in advance for sharing!

EDIT: it's a usb stick. forgot to tell.

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[-] TabbsTheBat@pawb.social 3 points 2 weeks ago

The USB I use is like.. 7 or 8 years now I think? It is a USB 3 one, but that thing had everything from windows ISOs to linux ones, and from school projects to pirated media, and it's still going strong

[-] occultist8128@infosec.pub 2 points 2 weeks ago

what’s the product, if you don’t mind me asking?

[-] TabbsTheBat@pawb.social 2 points 2 weeks ago

If it ever had a model name on it, it has long been worn down.. it's a 30 gig kingston one tho.. I think those are like 10-20 bucks

this post was submitted on 21 Jul 2025

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