Books about KNOPPIX

• All KNOPPIX books at AMAZON.COM^®
• Books in japanese language with the japanese edition of KNOPPIX from AIST: http://www.socym.co.jp/pages/books_annai/pc_os.html#knoppix

What is KNOPPIX^®?

KNOPPIX is a compilation of GNU/Linux software, run completely from CD, DVD or flash disk. It automatically detects and supports a wide range of graphics adapters, sound cards, USB devices and other peripheral devices. KNOPPIX can be used as a Linux demo, for training courses , as rescue system or as a platform for commercial software product demos. It is not necessary to install anything on fixed disk. Because of its transparent decompression, up to 2 gigabyes of executable software can be present on a CD, and up to 10GB on a single-layered DVD.

Included Software

Depending on your choice of CD or DVD, a variety of software packages from the Debian software repositories (www.debian.org) is installed. The CD version contains at least:

• LXDE as the standard desktop,
• Open Office,
• Chromium and Firefox WWW Browser,
• GNU Image Manipulation Program GIMP,
• MPlayer Multimedia System,
• Internet-access software for (W)LAN, modem, isdn, umts/gprs,
• Tools for data rescue, network analysis and system repair.

The DVD version contains additional software packages for office productivity as well as software development and engineering (various programming languages and development environments), education and gaming. Most Knoppix Mirrors also have a list of included software called packages.txt or packages-dvd.txt.

System Requirements

• Intel/AMD-compatible CPU (i486 and up),
• RAM: at least 200 MB for the graphical desktop. Recommended for working with various office applications: 500MB RAM,
• a bootable CD-ROM/DVD drive (IDE/ATAPI/SATA, Firewire, USB), or USB flash disk,
• a standard SVGA-compatible graphics chipset,
• PS/2 or USB Mouse.

Starting KNOPPIX

In order to start from CD, DVD or USB flash disk, adjust the boot selection menu or your computers BIOS setup in order to start from the desired device. Everything else works (almost) automatically.

In the USB flash disk variant, it is possible to store your own settings and additionally installed software permanently via "overlay", so that the system behaves just like a "real harddisk" installation.

New: For computers that cannot start directly from USB, there is a "boot only" CD-variant available, which can be used together with a previously created Knoppix USB flash drive. Using this boot CD, the system starts from CD drive first, and then switches and continues to run on the USB flash drive.

Getting KNOPPIX

Via postal mail	Download from Mirrors
You can order the newest beta versions of KNOPPIX from various independent vendors and have them sent to you by mail. Click here for a list of vendors	Most of the institutions listed in the KNOPPIX Mirror List have good connections to the German research networks (this is particularly useful for students and educators). They have graciously agreed to set up limited hosting areas for downloading the KNOPPIX ISO images. Click here for the full list.

KNOPPIX Bugtracking, Forums and Offers

An english forum can be found at the KNOPPIX contrib site http://www.knoppix.net/.

Developers and people interested in technical discussions can subscribe to the Knoppix developers' list at debian-knoppix at lists.debian.org.

Of course, it is favourable that beta testers will contribute feedback and bug reports. Detailed information is helpful, especially for problems with graphics cards, sound cards and general hardware detection, so that the hardware in question can be supported by the next release of KNOPPIX.

Adaptations or modifications by KNOPPER.NET of the software packaging / base distribution / system layout for companies (for example) who would like to create a product evaluation or installation CD are not free, of course. Instead, these are priced according to a negotiated contract (go to the contact form for a quote).

What license does the KNOPPIX-CD or DVD use?

If not otherwise specified, the software on the CD falls under the GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE. Similar to other Open Source licenses, this means that you can copy, modify, redistribute and even resell the CD without restrictions, as long as the recipient receives the same license. The source code of the standard packages on the CD are available from their respective original providers (for example on the FTP servers at Debian). Special components such as the KNOPPIX kernel or the automatic hardware detection source code can be downloaded from http://www.knopper.net/download/knoppix/ if not already available in the /usr/src directory on the CD. Individual packages, as specified by the GPL, may fall under another license (for example Firefox). If in doubt, the licenses can be found in the help sections or the DEB-database (dpkg -p package-name) of each software package.

I have a question about KNOPPIX:...

Some of the most frequent questions with answers have been assembled in the KNOPPIX-FAQ. There are some tips and tricks for the boot-command line listed in the KNOPPIX-Cheatcodes (especially for problematic hardware, expert mode, etc.), though this is meant for more advanced users. In the KNOPPIX-Forums at Knoppix.Net (mostly in english language), there are a lot of useful tips and tricks, workarounds for problematic hardware and discussions about current and future features of KNOPPIX.

I like KNOPPIX, can I contribute or donate something to the project?

Of course, patches, improvements and code contributions (as long as they have an Open Source compatible license) are welcome, just use the contact address given at the bottom of the individual KNOPPIX webpage to send them to us. Paying any fees for using KNOPPIX is neither required, nor acceptable in the GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE. However, if you do wish to donate money to this or other free software projects of KNOPPER.NET, we now have a web form for this purpose.

Links

A list of KNOPPIX-related projects and derivates, as well as forums and newsgroups can be found in the KNOPPIX link list.

What else is there to be aware of?

DISCLAIMER: THIS IS EXPERIMENTAL SOFTWARE. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. KNOPPER.NET CAN NOT BE HELD LIABLE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES FOR DAMAGE TO HARDWARE OR SOFTWARE, LOST DATA, OR OTHER DIRECT OR INDIRECT DAMAGE RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE. IN SOME COUNTRIES THE CRYPTOGRAPHIC SOFTWARE AND OTHER COMPONENTS ON THE CD ARE GOVERNED BY EXPORT REGULATIONS OR SOFTWARE PATENTS, WHICH MAY FORBID DISTRIBUTION OR DOWNLOAD. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN COMPLIANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE LAWS. IF YOU PLAN TO COMMERCIALLY USE OR DISTRIBUTE (AND SELL) THE SOFTWARE, YOU HAVE TO ACQUIRE THE NECESSARY LICENSES AND PERMISSIONS FROM ALL SOFTWARE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS OF NON-FREE SOFTWARE COMPONENTS, OR REMOVE THESE COMPONENTS BEFORE DISTRIBUTING THE SOFTWARE.