Thread:Project:Support desk/Is Running a Wiki on a Stick Slower?/reply (2)

A USB stick usually contains a SSD (and not harddisc with rotating parts). SSDs are much faster than old HDD drives, but to be faster, they must be connected as a harddrive. When in contrast you use a USB port, this will be notably slower than any internal device; also slower than an internal HDD. If you have the choice, you get the fastest results with an internal SSD.

However, apart from the purchase advice you might want to start backing up your stuff regularly. That way you won't have to start over again in the future.