It’s a good idea to look for one of those external USB SSDs that have USB-C, and come with USB-A cables as well. I have an older one that I use for ventoy. But I have both a Samsung and a Sandisk that I use for video editing (ProRes uses a lot of space!)
I’ve got a handful of M.2 form factor nvme and sata enclosures and some C to A cables.
This is one of the better ones. Tool-free, so no small screws to lose. Uses a push in grommet to hold the drive in position and a button release for the tray.
I’ve had a USB clamshell DVD since the days when 4GB sticks were ‘big’. Damn thing still works after more than a dozen years.
Many many disks still on spindles of old Linux distros and programs.
Just used it the other day on my elusive hunt for an OS that will run the old AspireOne with the 8GB SSD.