Install Linux Ubuntu on External SSD/HDD.

[aspanurag]

Hope this is the correct platform to ask this question.

I own a Dell XPS 15 (2016) model with a 512 GB internal SSD installed with latest windows 10 update.
I want to dual boot my laptop with Ubuntu, but I don't want to install Ubuntu on the same internal SSD drive.

I was thinking of buying an external Lacie SSD thunderbolt for Ubuntu so that I can connect it with Thunderbolt port and using it along with windows 10. Hence Dual boot.
I want SSD for faster performance.

I can try to do it myself but it's a huge investment so I am worried about damaging the SSD or my laptop in some way.
My Questions:
Is there any tutorial for this?
Best way explained somewhere?
Is this a good idea?
What are the shortcomings?
Any disadvantages to laptop or external SSD?

 

[Alabalcho]

Why not just install Ubuntu inside a VM (VirtualBox, VMware, Hyper-V)? You can still use your external drive for VM' storage

 

[aspanurag]

Thanks, @Alabalcho for the reply. Actually, I am using the Virtual box. I do have 16GB RAM but the performance is not what I expected. Hence I want to dual boot Windows 10 with Ubuntu.

 

[Grobe]

There are distros that are made specific to be installed on removable media.