[jstrieb]

For anyone reading this thread who may be in a similar situation: I wrote a script that allows you to use GitHub Actions as a computer. Any work you do can be committed to a repository and saved for later.

It can either boot up a command-line, or a complete desktop interface. Both are available entirely over the Web (and thus a smartphone). All you need is a free GitHub account. Both are also available over Tor in case you're in a situation where things might be blocked.

https://github.com/jstrieb/ctf-collab

I originally built this for doing competitive hacking challenges with a friend, but I have also used it at libraries, and from my phone. In general, it is great for when you need a desktop but don't have one, or for when you can't install things on the computer you're using.

Hopefully this helps others who need access to such resources for learning!