Knoppix Linux operating system

Developed by Klaus Knopper in Germany, it is safe to say that Debian-based Knoppix linux operating system has raised the bar of standards to a new level, especially with its automatic hardware detection that puts many well established commercial linux operating system distributions to shame. Its hands-free booting, enormous selection of software, its on-the-fly decompression technique and the ability to install it on a hard disk have turned Knoppix into an indispensable tool. It can be used as a rescue disk, a tool to demonstrate Linux to those who haven't seen it or a tool to test a new computer before purchase. It can even be used as a full-blown Linux distribution for every-day tasks.

New versions of Knoppix linux operating system are released frequently, on average about one new release each 2 - 6 weeks. Updates include bug fixes as well as the latest software packages from Debian's unstable branch.

Knoppix has been covered extensively in Linux media -: Knoppix - the Great Linux Advocate and Knoppix 3.4 Has Landed.

Pros: Excellent hardware auto-detection, runs directly from CD without hard disk installation, can be used as a recovery tool.
Cons: Low speed and performance if run directly from the CD.
Software package management: APT (DEB)
Free download: Yes