I only use Linux for sending coins, or storing wallets. I have backups of wallets in multiple location on multiple USB drives. On those devices i also have the public/private keys. The linux laptop I use for coins is off at all times, and the wi-fi is only enabled to update the blockchain (when needed).
I never keep coins or USD in an exchange for more than a few hours (send coins in, convert to other coins, or sometimes sell a decline and buy back lower).
The wallets I use to send mined coins are on Windows machines - and they are only used to receive coins from mining activities, then immediately send to the offline wallet stored on the laptop etc.
Would the use of a Thumb Drive to store the wallet be an acceptable alternative?
Would prefer NOT to have to learn a new (to me) OS.
Agreed, although I hear that Linux has come a long way from their earlier days and from what I read seems to be the go to for mining alt coins.
I too am curious to know if use of an encrypted thumb drive to store a 'savings' wallet is considered to be an acceptable alternative.
-bump-