I use Linux. I do not have any knowledge that my system is infected. It seems that some of the advice is aimed at windows users, how does it change for linux?
not much difference. i said it mostly aimed at windows since it is what most people (including myself) use as their daily OS.
in linux you just don't mount the partitions.
If usb flashdrives deteriorate over time, then I do not see how it's possible to have backups? If I buy 2 usb flashdrives of different brands, then I can't be sure that they don't both deteriorate over time. Let's say that I put them in remote locations for safety. That precludes me from testing them on an ongoing basis (and nothing to prevent them from stop working after a test is performed).
Eg, I'm confused about this advice:
The only safe thing to do is to have it backed up on multiple locations.
If you desperately want to use SD Cards or USB drives/flash drives go out and by three high quality ones.
On what medium do I back it up in multiple locations if I don't use SD cards or USB drives; do you mean paper? I was considering electronic because of altcoins in addition to bitcoin. But I suppose private keys of any currency can be printed. I am not sure how I would enter those back onto a computer if I needed to spend, because it would be time-consuming and prone to error?
it can be another USB disk, SD card, CD, or even Floppy disk! but all these digital mediums are going to deteriorate. i am not sure how long will it take but it is not short, so you don't need to worry about it much.
but the best one is to make a hard copy of the private keys (or seed) such as printing it on a piece of paper and laminating it, or etching it on a metal plate or using a hammer and one of those metal letter thingies that can engrave letters and numbers on metal. these things can only be physically lost and not much can damage them.
1. install linux on the flash drive and then use your webcam to scam the QR code of the raw unsigned transaction that you are supposed to sign. sign it, make a QR from the signed transaction and scan it with your cell phone and transfer it to online computer for broadcasting. result: 100% airgap wallet
Why do I need to install linux on a flashdrive for this idea? It seems to me that I am scanning a QR code using the non-internet connected computer, either directly from the other computer screen, or printed out on a sheet of paper. I then generate a new QR code that I use my cell phone to scan and connect that to the internet-connected computer?
the offline wallet has to be somewhere on a fresh and clean OS, that is why i said install linux. you can use a live linux with persistence if you like, you can even use a live linux without it and restore your wallet with seed each time for example.
the installed linux works as your very own cheap but secure hardware wallet that you can be sure is secure as long as you don't let anything contaminate it.