Datasheet

Chapter 1: What is Ubuntu?
21
Many of the specialized Linux distributions (including Ubuntu) are based on the Debian
Linux distribution. They use the same installation files as Debian but package only a
small fraction of a full-blown Debian system.
The Linux LiveCD
A relatively new phenomenon in the Linux world is the bootable Linux CD distribution,
which lets you see what a Linux system is like without actually installing it. Most modern
PCs can boot from a CD instead of the standard hard drive. To take advantage of this
capability, some Linux distributions create a bootable CD that contains a sample Linux
system (called a Linux LiveCD). Due to the size limitations of a single CD, the sample can’t
contain a complete Linux system, but you’d be surprised at all the software they can cram
in there. The result is, you can boot your PC from the CD and run a Linux distribution
without having to install anything on your hard drive.
It’s is an excellent way to test various Linux distributions without having to make changes
to your PC. Just pop in a CD and boot! All of the Linux software will run directly off the
CD. There are many Linux LiveCDs that you can download from the Internet and burn
onto a CD to test-drive.
Table 1-8 shows some popular Linux LiveCDs.
Table 1-8: Linux LiveCD Distributions
Distribution Description
Knoppix A German Linux, the first Linux LiveCD developed
SimplyMEPIS Designed for beginning home Linux users
PCLinuxOS Full-blown Linux distribution on LiveCD
Ubuntu A worldwide Linux project, designed for many languages
Slax A live Linux CD based on Slackware Linux
Puppy Linux A full-featured Linux designed for older PCs
You may notice something familiar in Table 1-8. Many specialized Linux distributions
also have a Linux LiveCD version. Some Linux LiveCD distributions, such as Ubuntu,
allow you to install the Linux distribution directly from the LiveCD. You can boot with
the CD, test drive the Linux distribution, and, if you like it, install it onto your hard drive.
This feature is extremely handy and user friendly.
As with all good things, Linux LiveCDs have a few drawbacks. Because you access every-
thing from the CD, applications run more slowly, especially if you’re using older, slower
computers and CD drives. Also, because you can’t write to the CD, any changes you make
to the Linux system will be gone the next time you reboot.
But there are advances being made in the Linux LiveCD world that help to solve some of
these problems. These advances include the ability to
Copy Linux system files from the CD to memory
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Copy system files to a file on the hard drive
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Store system settings on a USB Memory Stick
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Store user settings on a USB Memory Stick
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