Live CDs | Spring Into Linux

A Live CD is Linux on a CD that can run a computer. You boot from the CD and have a working Linux computer, running from the CD. You can use the Linux tools and applications without installing anything on the hard disk. The Live CD can contain many applications by using on-the-fly decompression techniques. Linux on the Live CDs can access floppy disk and CD drives, printers, and other hardware. Live CDs are useful for the following:

Evaluation: You can try out Linux. You can see how it works and/or learn to use it without installing anything on your hard disk.
Testing: You can test a computer with Linux before purchasing it.
Portability: You can move your Linux from computer to computer easily. You can bring your Linux with you and use it wherever there's a computer. You can use your office application wherever you are. Or you can use the Live CD for demonstration or training purposes.

Some Live CDs include installation software. You can boot Linux from the CD and try it out. Then, if you like it, you can install it on your hard disk from the running Linux.

The following are some popular Live CDs:

Knoppix: A Debian-based distribution with excellent hardware detection. Knoppix provides the KDE desktop and many applications, including Konqueror Web browser, OpenOffice, GIMP, and many more. With decompression, Knoppix holds 2GB of software. www.knoppix.com (Typing www.knoppix.org gets you a German Web page.)
Mandrake Move: Provides a complete Mandrake Linux system on a bootable CD. Applications enable you to create and edit office documents, listen to music, access the Internet, and more. Data and configuration files can be stored on a USB key for use with the CD. In addition, Mandrake Move enables you to read data from another CD. www.mandrakesoft.com/products/mandrakemove
MEPIS: Provides a bootable CD as the installer. You can boot and run MEPIS from the CD to try it out. The bootable CD includes an installer, so you can install Linux onto your hard disk from the same CD. MEPIS was the first to combine a Live CD with an installer. www.MEPIS.org