So, since PC RAM grew large enough and CD-RW speed reached such a level to make it possible to run the kernel, the use of Live CDs' gained popularity among PC owners. It is a very common characteristic that they include capabilities such as running a window manager and GUI applications directly from a CD device without causing any trouble on the already installed operative system. Nevertheless, Live CDs may also include tools that let you install some software on your hard drive.
There are so many similar Live CDs available making it very difficult to narrow the search down to the only five candidates, however, I'm going to tell you about what in my opinion are the five most popular Live CDs, their features and functionalities.
Knoppix
Knoppix is a Debian-based GNU/Linux Live CD which uses KDE by default but in the boot menu you can specify the type of graphical interface you want to use (Gnome, IceWM, etc..). It is developed by the GNU/Linux consultant Klaus Knopp. It consists of an extensive bundle of GNU/Linux programs, it brings automatic hardware detection, including graphics and sound cards, SCSI, USB and other peripheral devices support. Knoppix offers a desktop Linux system and can be used as a production environment, an educational CD, a system rescue tool. Additionally it can be adapted for its use as a platform for commercial software demos or trial versions.
Of course, you do not need to install a single bit on your HDDs. This solid Live CD performs on-the-fly decompression, Knoppix uses cloop module to run from a compressed image, recorded on the CD-ROM, so in a single CD you are able to handle up to 2GB of executable software, being over 8GB for the "Maxi" edition which is available for DVD.
Knoppix can be used in different ways:
• To show GNU/Linux system in an easy and fast way, especially as operative system.
• Quickly try hardware compatibility under Linux before you buy or use, especially for graphic cards.
• Use the tools included to restore a corrupted or lost data.
• Run a firewall or router.
• Bootstrapping a Debian installation.
You can freely download Knoppix Live CD from here.
Slax
Slax Live CD is a GNU/Linux distribution operating system based on Slackware. There is no need to install anything, it boots and run and from a CD drive. It is possible to run Slax on a computer that has no hard drive. There is also an option to run Slax from the RAM, thus freeing the CD/DVD drive for other uses, like watching a video DVD, play a music CD or copy/burn anything to the disk. Both the standard version of Slax and the Kill Bill edition use KDE as desktop, while Popcorn uses XFCE. Fluxbox is an option in all versions except Frodo as it is for machines with little memory and has no graphical environment.
When you insert a CD/DVD you can watch a movie, burn and listen to music, save and view data. Thans to the use of .mo file format (called modules), Slax is highly customizable. You can download and install modules (programs like The Gimp, XMMS, etc.) while using Slax live mode. All this without touching or need of a hard drive as it is in RAM where it is temporarily stored and executed.
Slax is a revolutionary operating system, fast and above all consistent, it is an excellent alternative for those who want to experience the world of Slackware safely, but also powerful, is also a lightweight alternative if you want to use a LiveCD that consume few resources as Knoppix.
Get Slax from here.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a Linux-based operative system and Ubuntu Live CD is a special version which provides the possibility of running only off the CD without the need of being installed, thus, this CD presents us the system and its features, performance and behaviour as it was installed and running off the HDD. As you know, it is very useful to test hardware compatibility and driver support before running full installation.
This Live CD also brings the installer called Ubiquity which, if asked, guides you through the process of full OS installation. You can find current and old CD image versions available for download at the Ubuntu web site.
With the Ubuntu live CD you can securely use Firefox to navigate the Internet, create and edit documents with OpenOffice (text, presentations, spreadsheet, and so on), GIMP helps you to edit digital photos, and as an extra you will find that Ekiga allows you to make Internet phone calls, and a lot more.
You can download your free copy of Ubuntu from here.
GoblinX
GoblinX is a Slackware-based Linux distribution Live CD. It is intended for desktop users, among its multiple features it stands out the possibility to customize your desktop. GoblinX Live CD brings some of the most often used applications and utilities for Linux. The GoblinX user is allowed to incorporate not included programs and apps to the live CD as GoblinX utilizes a modular system, what is more important, those incorporations can be made while using it, there is also an option to make it when you build the the ISO image file. Included tools help you to create these modules.
Official modules are available, but you can create customized modules as well. Due to its on-the-fly decompression, GoblinX can also be installed onto a computer off the CD in a fast and easy way.
You can freely download GoblinX from here.
Kanotix
Last but not least we find Kanotix, this is an efficient and solid Debian-based Linux Live CD. It Includes the newest packages, thus it is able to recognize a comprehensive list of currently used hardware even more than many other OS. Kanotix is assembled for 32 Bit i586 and for AMD 64 as it uses the newest available kernel and it also includes unique patches.
Kanotix has the ability to be executed as a Live CD on almost any personal computer. It will detect and configure virtually any piece or of hardware in an automated way. Its features and performance made of Kanotix the ideal Live CD for PC configuration analysis, data rescue, forensic work, viruses and all kind of malware definitive removal on Windows-based computers as well as for simple tasks like surfing the web and sending/receiving e-mail in a public computer or while travelling. It installs to your hard drive in just a few minutes and is ideal for use on your desktop workstation or notebook, or as a server.
Kanotix can be downloaded from here.
Final Words
These are in my opinion the Live CDs essentials any computer fan should try at least once. As you can see they are all excellent pieces of freeware, so, just download burn and enjoy!
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