How This Book Is Organized

The 12 chapters of this book are divided into four major parts, each focusing on a different topic. Two appendixes round out the volume.

Part I: Navigating the Amazing Knoppix Toolkit

Part I is an introduction to the software tools included with Knoppix. Chapter 1 covers the important apps that any modern computer user is going to look for in an operating system, such as printing, multimedia, burning CDs, and creating documents of all kinds. Chapter 2 moves on to Internet-based software. First you connect to the Net with broadband, wireless, or dial-up, and then you can use programs such as BitTorrent, Firefox, KMail, and Gaim—all fun and awesome. Chapter 3 is about using Knoppix to link to other machines, files, and printers, and enabling others to connect to your Knoppix machine to access selected resources.

Part II: Rescuing and Recovering Systems Using Knoppix

Part II is where you start to put Knoppix to work beyond simply running programs. You begin using Knoppix to fix problems. Chapter 4 uses Knoppix to repair issues common to Linux boxes, and Chapter 5 does the same for Windows. Ever had a problem with GRUB or a partition table, or had an issue with boot.ini or viruses? Then Chapters 4 and 5 will come in handy. Chapter 6 looks at how you can use Knoppix to make your systems and networks more secure by utilizing encryption, testing for vulnerabilities, or sniffing packets, among other cool tricks.

Part III: Knoppix Variants

Knoppix itself has become a building block for other Linux Live CD distros that perform an astonishing variety of tasks. Part III presents the coolest and most useful of those Knoppix variants. Chapter 7 investigates distros that help scientists perform their jobs (if you've ever wanted an easy way to create a super-powerful Linux cluster, this is the chapter for you!). Chapter 8 analyzes four Knoppix-based distros that focus on security. These are some of the most powerful CDs a computer or security pro could have in her toolkit. Check ‘em out!

Part IV: Customizing Knoppix and Live CDs

In Part IV, you learn how to create your own Knoppix-based Live CD. This is some really cool stuff! Chapter 9 leads you through various customizations you can make without remastering your distro. Chapter 10 guides you through the intense procedure of changing and remastering Knoppix, and we think you'll be surprised when you discover that it's a detailed, but eminently doable, process. In Chapters 11 and 12, you put what you learned in Chapter 10 to work. Chapter 11 walks you through creating Archix, a distro for kids, and Chapter 12 helps you create a distro called Myppix that is totally focused on you and your specific Linux needs.

Appendixes

The two appendixes provide you with important but auxiliary information about Knoppix. Appendix A goes over the Knoppix boot process with a fine-tooth comb. You may think you know how Linux machines boot, but trust us: Knoppix is different. We guarantee that you'll find techniques in this appendix that you had no idea existed. Appendix B helps you take Knoppix off of the CD it comes on and put it onto your hard drive. If you like Knoppix so much that you want it to become your main OS of choice, Appendix B will help you do so..