For Testing and Evaluating
LiveCDs and LiveDVDs are a popular way to test machine compatibility with a different operating system without installing it. For example, some versions of Linux come on bootable CDs and DVDs for testing hardware compatibility. Linux runs directly from the CD or DVD and is not installed unless the user chooses that option (see LiveDistro).
After years of dealing with software conflicts, many people are averse to installing a new application. However, software on a LiveCD or LiveDVD, which does not alter any files in the user's computer, is a way of trying something new before installing it. For a list of LiveCD software, visit www.livecdlist.com.
Restoring a Failed Computer
LiveCDs are widely used for troubleshooting a PC that does not boot, and most personal computers are configured to look for a bootable program on the CD or DVD before loading the OS from the hard disk. See bootable disk.
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Additional Resources
- MobaLiveCD (exe)
- MobaLiveCD is a freeware that will run your Linux LiveCD on Windows thanks to the excellent emulator called "Qemu". MobaLiveCD allows you to test your LiveCD with a single click: after downloading the ISO image file of your favorite LiveCD, you just have to start it in MobaLiveCD and here...
- Software downloads 2008-10-02
- My bad day with Windows Server 2003
- My bad day with Windows Server 2003I'm intrigued...Not by Win2k3 server, but your mention of Ikea furniture. What's that for? Computer desks, lab desks, general tables? My mind is boggling as to what school would let you use that, and what it's being used for!Partition MagicI've had some nasty experiences...
- Discussion threads 2008-08-18
- Get a complete security toolkit with BackTrack 3
- The BackTrack LiveCD provides over 300 different tools that can be used by security professionals or system administrators. It includes tools for penetration testing, wireless cracking, network mapping, information gathering, vulnerability identification, forensics, and reverse engineering. Vincent Danen tells you how to create a portable version on a USB keychain.
- Download resources 2008-08-11
- PC Network Clone (Professional Edition) (iso)
- PCNetworkClone is a Linux LiveCD based boot CD that allows cloning of computer hard drives to backup data or migrating system to other computers over network. A perfect solution for Home users to easily migrate his/her hard drive to a new PC via LAN. The most fascinating feature of PCNetworkClone...
- Software downloads 2008-07-25
- Encrypt File or Parent Folder (How to encrypt data on your laptop for holiday travel)
- Encrypt File or Parent Folder How to encrypt data on your laptop for holiday travelencryptionso hard to used, how about a printable form, all pages...this might have been useful.RE: Encrypt File or Parent Folder How to encrypt data on your laptop for holiday travelOR you could just right-click on the...
- Discussion threads 2008-07-03
- Fun with openSUSE 11.0
- Fun with openSUSE 11.0Virtualized OpenSUSE 11.0I too am a devoted Ubuntu user, and decided to check out OpenSUSE 11.0. I downloaded the 32bit GNOME LiveCD and loaded in with Virtualbox in Windows XP. I got through the whole setup fairly quickly but when the "system" rebooted it crashed and said...
- Discussion threads 2008-06-26
- Back to Basics #1 - Cloning a hard disk
- Back to Basics #1 - Cloning a hard diskWow, thats a really long way to do it!Most hard drives when you buy them come with a install disk if not you can download it from the manufactures of which after you physically install the drive you boot the accompanying CD/DVD...
- Discussion threads 2008-06-06
- PC Disk Clone (iso)
- PCDiskClone is a Linux LiveCD based boot CD that allows cloning of computer hard drives to backup data or migrating system to another PC. It copies all data on physical level with a full support of IDE, SATA, SCSI, USB, Firewire Interfaces. Besides these compatabilites, PCDiskClone clones at a high...
- Software downloads 2008-05-19
- Proof that Linux is for geeks with too much time on their hands!
- Proof that Linux is for geeks with too much time on their hands!No LVM stuff required for WindowsAlso, all you need to do for windows is mount the image destination could be a local USB drive and run "partimage". The GUI does the rest.For restores, just do "partimage" and path...
- Discussion threads 2008-05-07
- Xubuntu 8.04 stellar on low-power machines
- I finally had the chance to install Xubuntu 8.04 on a laptop for another of my kids this weekend. My first attempt to install Xubuntu (Ubuntu running the Xfce interface instead of Gnome and generally considered lighter and faster than other *buntus) on a seriously aging and memory starved...
- Blog posts 2008-05-04
- Rolling your own starts to make more sense
- Rolling your own starts to make more senseComputer storeA computer store builds them for me, at my own specifications. Without operating system or any other software, ofcourse. Same price as when I would buy the components separately and assemble them myself. Plus I have one year warranty.Then I pump Ubuntu...
- Discussion threads 2008-03-11
- Linux tool speeds up computer forensics for cops
- Linux tool speeds up computer forensics for copsLinux tool speeds up computer forensics for copsWow, Austrilia must really be behind the curve on this one which explains why they are using linux. Here in the good ol' U.S. of A. forensic tools have been available for quite some time....
- Discussion threads 2008-03-06
- Parted Magic LiveCD (zip)
- Optimized at approximately 40MB, the Parted Magic OS employs core programs of VisParted and Parted to handle partitioning tasks with ease, while featuring other useful programs (e.g. Partition Image, TestDisk, fdisk, sfdisk, dd, ddrescue, etc.) and an excellent set of documentation to benefit the user. An extensive collection of fileystem...
- Software downloads 2008-02-27
- Working Vista SP1 activation hack (Vista Loader - Working Vista SP1 activation hack)
- Working Vista SP1 activation hack (Vista Loader - Working Vista SP1 activation hack)OuchWell Guys its back to square one.RE: Working Vista SP1 activation hack (Vista Loader - Working Vista SP1 activation hack)nothing special here, anything microsoft will always be: 1.) hacked2.) cracked3.) broken into4.) keyloggedonce you accept it we can...
- Discussion threads 2008-02-12
- (Photos: Three low-cost Linux PCs)
- (Photos: Three low-cost Linux PCs)Ubuntu on newer computers!Ubuntu is G-R-E-A-T..............( It does not Like windows )It reads most if not all of the programs of windows.And the best thing yet is UBUNTU is Free! Not like the XP I have that when things go wrong you have to call...
- Discussion threads 2008-01-25
- ReWind (exe)
- ReWind is certainly the most simple yet most powerful system backup software available. It allows you to backup your Windows computers system in minutes and while working. Whether a desktop computer, a laptop or a server, you do not need to stop working or restart Windows to backup your entire...
- Software downloads 2007-12-04
- Microsoft matters less every 6 months
- Microsoft matters less every 6 monthsThanks!Always fun to read your blogs, Chris! Well argumented and clear.Tip: Ubuntu itself the main version can also be installed without a LiveCD-session in the RAM of your PC. Namely, when you use the Alternate CD. Handy for PC's with little RAM.How to get the...
- Discussion threads 2007-10-22
- Ubuntu 7.10 - Installation walk-through
- Ubuntu 7.10 - Installation walk-throughIf you have a older ATI Radeon express 200on a MSI motherboard like I do this might be a non-starter for you. Even with the ATI proprietary driver and catalyst control loaded I could not get better than 800x600 resolution. I used Envy http://albertomilone.com/nvidia_scripts1.html thanks dbase...
- Discussion threads 2007-10-19
- Finally, something cool from OLPC
- Finally, something cool from OLPCWell, I'm glad you like it.Overall, I'm not thrilled with it, but it does have its good points. Folks who want a look at Sugar might want to check out this video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwzCsOFxT-UHere's one showing the social networking features you mentioned:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAPHhGoq2OIYou can click on "Related Videos" for...
- Discussion threads 2007-08-23
- 30 things I've learned from using Linux ...
- I began My Linux Experience back at the end of February and over the past five months I've managed to spend a fair bit of time dabbling and experimenting with a variety of Linux distros. Over these months I've learned a lot - a lot about Linux, a lot about the...
- Blog posts 2007-08-07
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