Knoppix 9.1 (32- and 64-bit)

Knoppix was created by Klaus Knopper, who has also written for Linux Magazine. It was one of the first Debian-derivatives, as well as among the first Live CDs. This month's download is a DVD containing 9GB of compressed software, but it is also available as a much smaller CD.

Knoppix was briefly installable like any disk image, but that option is no longer supported. Instead, Knoppix can be used as a portable operating system. However, it is best known as a rescue drive, with low memory requirements, extensive hardware support, and an asortment of recovery tools. These tools are especially useful on a large flash drive, with extra space for storing files created while running as a Live drive. Lesser-known but equally as impressive is ADRIANE Knoppix, a desktop environment for the sight impaired collected and developed by Klaus Knopper for his wife.

Knoppix is especially popular in Germany, and some of its documentation can take a while to be translated into English and other languages. However, the DVD is worth having around for emergencies and an essential tool for those who need extra assistance in order to interact with their computer. And if you are having trouble with Linux detecting your hardware, Knoppix just might help with your troubleshooting.

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