F5F Stay Refreshed Software Operating Systems use hdd for more than one pc

use hdd for more than one pc

use hdd for more than one pc

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Abbasaurus
Member
209
02-21-2025, 10:00 PM
#1
Hello everyone, yes it is feasible to install an OS on a HDD inside an enclosure and use it across multiple computers. You’re looking at running Ubuntu on the drive and leveraging BIOS settings to select it as the startup disk. This approach can work even if you switch devices, though compatibility may vary between systems.
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Abbasaurus
02-21-2025, 10:00 PM #1

Hello everyone, yes it is feasible to install an OS on a HDD inside an enclosure and use it across multiple computers. You’re looking at running Ubuntu on the drive and leveraging BIOS settings to select it as the startup disk. This approach can work even if you switch devices, though compatibility may vary between systems.

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Sztylet
Member
62
02-22-2025, 04:45 AM
#2
Yes, it could function, but you'd need to set up drivers for every device. From what I've seen, switching Windows or another OS between very similar machines often causes driver issues. I wouldn't suggest using such methods to avoid school rules. Instead, bring a laptop if permitted.
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Sztylet
02-22-2025, 04:45 AM #2

Yes, it could function, but you'd need to set up drivers for every device. From what I've seen, switching Windows or another OS between very similar machines often causes driver issues. I wouldn't suggest using such methods to avoid school rules. Instead, bring a laptop if permitted.

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GoMigs
Senior Member
614
02-23-2025, 05:39 PM
#3
Thanks for the update! He mentioned that once it functions, you're permitted to proceed.
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GoMigs
02-23-2025, 05:39 PM #3

Thanks for the update! He mentioned that once it functions, you're permitted to proceed.

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kcaz56
Senior Member
664
02-24-2025, 12:28 AM
#4
Are you sure? Everyone else would have reacted negatively to your suggestion. I recommend installing Windows 10 on a hard drive rather than Ubuntu.
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kcaz56
02-24-2025, 12:28 AM #4

Are you sure? Everyone else would have reacted negatively to your suggestion. I recommend installing Windows 10 on a hard drive rather than Ubuntu.

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BenTeRoks
Junior Member
15
02-28-2025, 02:34 AM
#5
It’s simple to install a bootable Ubuntu on a compact USB drive, and modern systems usually support launching it, although Secure Boot could block some options. Which programs do you need?
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BenTeRoks
02-28-2025, 02:34 AM #5

It’s simple to install a bootable Ubuntu on a compact USB drive, and modern systems usually support launching it, although Secure Boot could block some options. Which programs do you need?

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Pokebuzz123
Junior Member
35
03-02-2025, 09:54 PM
#6
You can achieve this across different Linux distributions. I’m using Slackware on one system and ElementaryOS on another. Be aware that a USB connection may limit performance. If possible, opt for USB3.
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Pokebuzz123
03-02-2025, 09:54 PM #6

You can achieve this across different Linux distributions. I’m using Slackware on one system and ElementaryOS on another. Be aware that a USB connection may limit performance. If possible, opt for USB3.

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totoflo21
Junior Member
17
03-06-2025, 08:47 PM
#7
I assume these school computers have built-in screens. In that scenario, a USB drive loaded with the portableapps.com launcher and your preferred tools would work well. No special admin rights needed, and you won’t have to adjust boot settings or anything complicated.
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totoflo21
03-06-2025, 08:47 PM #7

I assume these school computers have built-in screens. In that scenario, a USB drive loaded with the portableapps.com launcher and your preferred tools would work well. No special admin rights needed, and you won’t have to adjust boot settings or anything complicated.

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BlixionFyre
Member
59
03-08-2025, 08:21 PM
#8
Using the mobile applications sometimes needs special permissions, and the bootable USB typically offers a single-start option which avoids modifying BIOS configurations.
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BlixionFyre
03-08-2025, 08:21 PM #8

Using the mobile applications sometimes needs special permissions, and the bootable USB typically offers a single-start option which avoids modifying BIOS configurations.

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Biel_extremer
Member
199
03-16-2025, 06:23 AM
#9
It's true, but avoiding your own operating system has its perks. You could share the same USB drive across multiple devices without worrying about driver conflicts between systems. I only discovered a few apps on PortableApps that actually need elevation settings. Most others don’t require it.
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Biel_extremer
03-16-2025, 06:23 AM #9

It's true, but avoiding your own operating system has its perks. You could share the same USB drive across multiple devices without worrying about driver conflicts between systems. I only discovered a few apps on PortableApps that actually need elevation settings. Most others don’t require it.

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_sharktapus_
Member
107
03-16-2025, 11:48 AM
#10
These programs need elevation to adjust their settings or performance. It’s not random—it depends on the specific requirements of each tool.
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_sharktapus_
03-16-2025, 11:48 AM #10

These programs need elevation to adjust their settings or performance. It’s not random—it depends on the specific requirements of each tool.

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