HAVE YOU EVER WANTED to give Linux a try, without actually switching over to it? There are several versions of Linux that can be run from a bootable CD or DVD on your current system, without having to remove your current OS.
Knoppix Linux can be downloaded to either CD or DVD (you get more stuff on the DVD). Go to the inventor’s (Klaus Knopper) site for the download and all the information you’ll need to get started, inlcuding system requirements, what is included on the CD or DVD, forums, and how to set it up.
Ubuntu Linux can be downloaded from the Ubuntu official site, but it is a 700mg download. So unless you have a great internet connection, you may want to buy the CD, or you can request a free CD – although delivery for the free CD can take up to 10 weeks.
Mandriva Linux can be downloaded free from the Mandriva site. You can also order it on an 8 gig USB Flash Drive, so you can take your Linux with you. And if you decide you like it, you can install it right off of the flash drive. It costs $69.00 (shipping is free), but it also includes a bootable CD and a restore CD.
MEPIS Linux’s latest version is SimplyMEPIS 7.0, which you can try without installation to see if it suits you and your needs. Again, you can download it free, or order a CD or DVD from the Mepis store.
All of these Linux sites have lots of support options, in the form of communities, forums, user manuals, FAQs, blogs, etc. All the help you could possibly need in your discovery of Linux.
