I was browsing Linux content on YouTube today and found people selling "pre-loaded" Linux USB sticks for $20+.
Stop. Please, don't buy these unless you really know the risks involved. If you have the bandwidth, there's no reason to pay a premium.
First, you are paying a massive markup for a free file and a single command. You are also booting an operating system you didn't verify yourself, which is a huge security risk.
Please do not just trust mystery sticks.
Creating your own is free, takes about 5 minutes, and ensures your kernel hasn't been tampered with.
Here is how you do it:
1. Download the ISO directly from the source (Debian, Fedora, etc).
2. Use a free, open-source tool like Rufus (available on Windows).
3. Plug in a spare USB drive, select your ISO, and hit "Flash."
You can also do all of this in the terminal if you feel comfortable with it and you can even check the hash to be sure your ISO has not been tampered with it, but Rufus is great.
Rufus: https://rufus.ie/en/
If you know someone who needs a Linux drive and doesn't know how to make one, do it for them. Don't let them get fleeced by opportunists.
Don't pay for convenience at the cost of your security. Own your hardware.
Edit: Removed BalenaEtcher after learning about its telemetry.
#ISO #GNULinux #GNU #Linux #Privacy #Debian #CyberSecurity #Security #NoAI #TerminalTilt #Rufus