Linux Bootable CD Distributions

More recently many different distributions now have a version which boots and loads the entire operating system straight from CD. Now, I'm not talking about just installing from CD, I mean that you don't need a hard drive in the system, and no installation is needed for these distributions. You put the CD in the drive, boot off of it, and you've got a (almost) fully functional linux system.

I'm always looking for good and free linux bootable CD linux distributions and therefore I've created this list of the various different options available when it comes to bootable linux distributions. I've tried some of these more than others, so I've only made brief comments on them. If you have any comments regarding any of these or have any to add to the list, please use the comment system below.

Knoppix
Knoppix is one of the first distributions to have a full system including graphical user interface, open office and most other important applications all on one bootable CD. I've tried this distribution out and it work extremely well and seems to be compatible with a wide range of hardware.

Slax
Slax is a bootable linux CD that is based on Slackware. There are several different versions of the bootable CD which offer different sets of applications. Most of these distributions will fit on the mini CDs so you can keep it in your pocket. They all boot into a graphical user interface and include a good selection of applications.

Thinstation
Thinstation is a bootable linux CD which boots straight into a terminal client of some sort. It supports VNC, Citrix, RDP, Telnet, SSH, NoMachine NX, and more. You configure it using their TS-O-Matic and then just download your customized ISO. We used this product as a bootable citrix client CD and it worked great.

That's all I have for now, I'll be adding more as I come accross them. Please let us know if you find any other good ones.

Warning: By visiting this site and/or by using any information contained herein, you agree to the Techbytes.ca terms of use.

Add a comment about this TechByte

If you wish to add a comment regarding this TechByte, please use the form below. Please note that by submitting comments using this form you are allowing all of the information submitted to be visible on this website. Any comments submitted using this form will only be shown on the website if they are approved by the administrators of this site. IF APPROVED, COMMENTS MAY TAKE SEVERAL DAYS TO BE POSTED.

Other TechBytes:

• Formatting .reg files for use with command-line REGEDIT
• How to determine where a user is logged on
• 301 redirect using regular expressions