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?
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.
Yup, if you want Windows compatibility, it's the best. This is what I did. I created the disk in windows, standard NTFS, bitlocker encrypted. It mounts in Linux automatically asking for a passphrase with a popup.
Similar here, my work archive is Windows bitlocker password enabled. There is a linux package on SUSe that supports read write of Ntfs nicely, and GNOME promtps for bitlocker password. Easy Peasy
Depending on your specific situation, it could be a solid option to just jump in to whatever distro covers your needs best and just run Windows in a VM. On a current Linux device which previously ran windows, throw this in the terminal:
sudo strings /sys/firmware/acpi/tables/MSDM
and it will source the old Windows product key. You can also just jot down the key by pulling it up in Windows too. But regardless of how it's handled, it makes the VM setup an easier process for sure!