Live Linux

From Mandrivausers Wiki

Testing a linux distribution without installing it is possible with several distributions. Some time ago, there were only a few so-called Live-CDs available, the most popular being Knoppix and Damn Small Linux.

What is a Live-CD?

A Live-CD is a linux-operating-system that runs from a CD or DVD and stores the most important things into the Memory of the computer, the RAM. It detects the hardware while booting and makes guesses at the best configuration foy the computer. This configuration is stored in the RAM for as long as the OS is being in use or as long as the computer is powered on. Live-CDs do not need a harddisk in order to work and they do not write to harddisks (unless you launch certain commands, like setting up a separate /home directory for storing data). Thus, you can run e.g. Windows XP, then boot the Live-CD and play around in linux. When you reboot or reset the computer, it will boot Windows again.

Purpose of Live-CDs

Live-CDs are mainly used in order to perform system-rescue tasks (in linux, Windows and Mac systems). They are also welcomed by people who want to work with their own OS on a computer that isn't theirs, thus don't want to touch the harddisk of the computer. And they are great in order to test your hardware-compatibility before you perform an installation. Live-CDs are also very popular in cases where people want to show to their friends the innovations in linux systems.

Mandrivas Live-CD is called "One" (because it is "one" CD). It acts as a Live-CD for rescue tasks, as a ready to use desktop system and as an alternative installer of the Mandrivalinux operating system.

How to use

Enable in your computer-BIOS to boot from CD. Insert the CD. The computer will now read the bootrecord of the CD and boot the system. Follow the instructions and off you go. It is that simple.