Knoppix for Rapid Desktop Deployment

heretic108 writes "From first boot to full desktop in 20 minutes! Knoppix has shot into the spotlight as a GNU/Linux distro suitable for demonstrating quality Open Source Software, standing out for its ability to self-configure itself into a vast range of hardware, and to run entirely off a CD boot without interfering with any existing system setup. That, plus its fat catalogue of pre-installed desktop software. But OSS enthusiast David McNab has poked a bit deeper, and found that Knoppix can install itself to disk, resulting in a completely configured GNU/Linux desktop system, ready to use, in 20 minutes, hassle free. CD no longer needed! Best of both worlds - use as a GNU/Linux demo disk, and if the user likes it, it's a snap to install permanently. I can't think of any distro that comes close to this, for ease and speed of setup. I found McNab's short Knoppix Installation Howto which gives a very brief and easy guide. With this rapid setup ability, Debian-based Knoppix makes a great contribution to the catalogue."

Comments

It will never catch on

[CatWrangler]

No Blue Screen of Death? No individual user licenses? No aborted installs? No minesweeper? Who actually would use this newfangled thing?

How much?

[DAldredge]

How much is one of these frontpage /. ads? Please contact me, I may be interested in buying one.

Re:How much?

[Link310]

It typically costs at least a few hours of downtime on your server, and possibly a surge in bandwidth usage.

/. is not responsible for increased bandwidth usage due to a slashdotting or any costs incured.

Please submit ads using the "submit story" link on the side of the page. Things to include:
* A simple way for people to bash microsoft.
* Something that can be turned into a beowulf cluster.

Re:How much?

[MadFarmAnimalz]

frontpage /. ads? FRONTPAGE?!?
Taco you TURNCOAT.
So THAT'S what that server migration a few days ago was all about... /me whips out nmap

Re:Including non-free?

[Graspee_Leemoor]

" So what I need is something she can use for a few weeks -- still accessing her docs on her Windows partition -- until she's sold."

Dude, there's no need to sell your girlfriend just because she uses Word.

graspee

Re:Including non-free?

[Paul Komarek]

Why do people (including Microsoft) always feel the need to point out just how much better the current(-ish) version is than the old one? In one year, you'll still say "There's your problem right there, Windows 2003 is much more stable than Windows 2000".

If someone shot you last week, but only stabbed you this week, you don't have to thank them.

-Paul Komarek

Re: wonderful, but

[wfrp01]

The smiley was to help the humor impaired. Apparently it wasn't sufficient.

Re:irresponsible

[llamaluvr]

If you really think Windows sucks too much for her to use, maybe you should look into getting her a Mac

Modern Wedding Anniversary Gifts:

First - Clocks
Second - China
Third - Crystal/Glass
Fourth - Appliances
Fifth - Silverware
Sixth - Candy/Iron
Seventh - Desk Sets
Eighth - Bronze/Pottery
Ninth - Linen/Lace
Tenth - A MacIntosh

I think that's a little more commitment then our buddy is looking for here. Maybe a low-end PC would be okay for a "just thinking of you (and your computer troubles)" gift, but a MacIntosh? That's at least the equivilent of an engagement ring (and costs about the same, too!)!

Stop! I might damage myself!

[leonbrooks]

Damage? Like, what? Would my hard disk have caught fire had it not shut down?

Perhaps a Windows install might have succeeded. Is that damaging enough for you? (-: