When a computer boots up, it typically checks
first if there is a CD, floppy disk, or DVD in a drive and tries to boot
from there (depending on BIOS settings). So, with up to 700MB (CD) or
8.4GB (dual-layer DVD) of space on those media, why not use them to boot
whole operating systems?
Well, that??™s exactly what bootable Linux distributions (also called live CDs)
such as KNOPPIX do. In the case of KNOPPIX, one CD holds up to 2GB of
compressed software for you to run that uncompresses on-the-fly. Start it up
and you can try out all the features of a well-stocked Linux system, without
touching the contents of your hard disk.
KNOPPIX is included on the DVD that comes with this book. In
fact, it is the default option. Insert the DVD into your PC??™s DVD
drive, and when you see the boot screen, press Enter. KNOPPIX should just
start up, and you can begin using it as described in this chapter.
If you have never used Linux before, KNOPPIX gives you the chance to do
so in a very safe way. If you are experienced with Linux, KNOPPIX can be
used as a tool to take Linux with you everywhere, troubleshoot a computer,
or check whether a computer will run Linux. In any case, you can use this
chapter to take a little tour of some great Linux features that you can try out
with KNOPPIX.
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