Newbies take on LiveCDs; everybody wins
Newbies take on
LiveCDs; everybody wins
By: Joe Bolin
Topics: Distributions
With Linux appearing more frequently in the press and on TV, people are becoming more curious about it. They are still reluctant to leave their comfortable Windows world, but they are curious. Enter LiveCD Linux -- a CD with a full Linux operating system that runs completely from the CD without the need to install anything on the hard drive. Taking ten people who never used Linux before and who have only basic computer skills, I set out to run several LiveCDs through some informal tests.
Hardware
The test PC on which I timed each distro's load time was a Gateway desktop with 384MB of RAM and an nVIDIA GeForce2 video card. The boot times reported here include time to start the desktop but not BIOS runtime. Additional peripherals included an Epson Stylus 440 printer, Olympus D-390 digital camera, and Lexar 128MB USB JumpDrive. For hardware compatibility testing we also used 10 additional PCs, ranging from 233MHz Pentium IIs to 800MHz Pentium IIIs, with various components and peripherals.
We began with a group of nine LiveCDs. Six didn't make the final cut, mainly due to subpar hardware detection. Most failed to boot into graphical mode on about five of our test machines without some tweaking or a boot code. All could be tweaked or given a boot option that made them workable, but that's not something you'd expect new users to do.
We chose to test Knoppix, MandrakeMove, and Slax based on their hardware detection, applications, aesthetics, usability, and the ability to allow a non-technical person to operate without the need to tweak settings.
Knoppix
The most well-known LiveCD is Knoppix. Knoppix didn't create the genre, but it made it famous. Named after its creator, Klaus Knopper, Knoppix is based on Debian. Since its inception in 2001 Knoppix has been touted by Linux evangelists as revolutionary. It is what all other LiveCDs strive to be, though few have succeeded. It is popular among academics for demonstrating Linux to new students.
Knoppix desktop -- click to enlarge
Knoppix boot time was very good at 2:58 with a non-graphical boot process. Hardware detection was excellent, with all the removable devices available as desktop icons. All devices were mounted read-only with the exception of the diskette drive, which frustrated a couple of people. Since they were using the hard drive or USB key to save notes, it was a bit of a burden. On the desktop the testers found their way around easily. Knoppix offers a wide range of KDE and non-KDE applications, including OpenOffice.org and an extra Knoppix menu that contains some useful, albeit simple, utilities. Application speed was about the same as running an application directly from a hard drive.
The group's opinion of Knoppix was a bit mixed; they liked its speed but disliked the default menu arrangement. This was a common complaint for the KDE menu. The group felt that the default desktop lacked polish and gave them a Windows 95ish feeling. Knoppix failed to load into graphic mode on only two machines tested.
The verdict: Knoppix makes a great starter distro for users just getting to know the Linux desktop, especially those using older computers.
MandrakeMove
The most recent addition to the LiveCD genre, MandrakeMove is developed by commercial Linux distributor Mandrake Linux. MandrakeMove allows users to take Mandrake Linux with them everywhere. Although we used the free edition of MandrakeMove, the company also offers a boxed set with more advanced features that costs about the price of the USB key that it includes.
Mandrake desktop -- click to enlarge
MandrakeMove boot time was a slow 4:35, but to be fair, this was the most interactive boot of any we tested. The software asks for a language selection, acceptance of the license agreement, a user name and password, and gives a prompt for printing services. Users appreciated the graphical boot, but all the pit stops seem a bit unnecessary for this free version since it doesn't allow you to save your settings as the MandrakeMove boxed set does.
Hardware detection was excellent. Everything was detected perfectly. The USB key and camera were detected correctly but the operating system failed to display a desktop icon for the USB key.
MandrakeMove has a wide selection of software, including OpenOffice.org and the company's standard "Drake" utilities.
We noted one bug. When KDE first loads you're presented with a pop up "Welcome to MandrakeMove" window. The link to load "This Computer" failed to load drakconfig and gave an error about a missing file.
The testers found MandrakeMove's default desktop to be the most appealing of those we looked at. The operating system's ability to let users remove the LiveCD to listen to a CD had some taking a music break. Don't expect your DVD to play, though -- there's no libdvdcss here. Everyone liked MandrakeMove's menu system, with its what-do-you-want-to-do phrasing. Most of the applications are contained off the top-level under "All Applications."
Everyone felt that this was the best LiveCD for getting to know the Linux desktop. One person even said it felt more comfortable than her "other operating system." It has to be the most user-friendly interface of any we tested. The biggest complaint was the lengthy boot process, and I saw a few shortcomings inherent to Mandrake's utilities. Overall though MandrakeMove outperformed the others with its hardware detection and pleasurable, user-friendly experience.
Slax
Slax, the most unlikely finalist, is based on Slackware Linux. Slackware is often perceived as the no-nonsense, geeks-only distribution, and Slax remains true to its roots, providing the same no-nonsense approach that purists will appreciate. In spite of invoking a little culture shock, Slax was surprisingly well received by my team of novices.
Slax desktop -- click to enlarge
Slax blazed through the boot process: 58 seconds to get to the console prompt; 1:05 total to Fluxbox, a minimalistic desktop based on Blackbox; and 1:38 total to KDE. The non-graphical boot lands you at a console prompt with a few options. This was a bit of a shock for most of the mild-mannered testers. After logging in as root with a password everyone typed "gui" from the choices available and all were quickly swept into KDE 3.2 (beta2). They were unanimously more comfortable with KDE than the command line.
Slax's choice of wallpaper, theme, and icon set made everyone smile. Most liked the clean yet fun feel of the icons and theme, but the wallpaper drew the most attention with a resounding "Aww, he's just too cute." There were no desktop icons except for Trash Bin and we couldn't seem to get any enabled. A bug? Slax ran applications nearly twice as fast as those of any other LiveCD we tested. Slax doesn't include OpenOffice.org, but KOffice is available as an alternative and there is a very wide selection of other software.
Speedy performance and the look of KDE 3.2 (beta2) made Slax very popular with the group. The distro failed to load graphically on only one machine without tweaking boot settings. Test subjects complained only about the console login -- not about the console itself, but most wanted to see a graphical menu. Everyone said that if it weren't for the console, Slax would be the number one choice. Alas -- newbies.
I fell in love with Slax. I swear I saw my current paperweight, an IBM Thinkpad 360CSE running Slackware 3, smile. I missed not having Frozen Bubble, but otherwise I was hooked. This return to Slackware made me giddy.
The consensus
Overall the test group agreed that MandrakeMove was their favorite LiveCD, followed by Knoppix. All but one person said they felt very eager to put Linux on their home desktop.
As for me, Slax was my favorite, hands down. My second choice was MandrakeMove, for its overall performance and enhancements.
Et al.
The six other LiveCDs we looked at that failed to make the cut included Adios, Cool Linux, Freeduc, Gnoppix, Mepis, and Morphix. They are all worth trying, but three really stand out.
Gnoppix is a refreshing change of scenery and will be popular for those who enjoy the Gnome Desktop. Most of my testers didn't like the feel of it as compared to KDE. Bruce Perens, are you listening?
Mepis should be watched closely. I'm not quite as impressed with it as Joe Barr was, but I think it is headed in the right direction and is worth the download.
Freeduc is worth noting for its goals and direction. It is geared around nothing but educational software for kids, which is refreshing in a world full of self-righteous commercialism. It has the worst desktop interface, xfce, which made my daughter go "Eewww!" Everyone, and especially the three mothers among the testers, was very excited to see something of this genre. Consider donating some time to help make this great project better.
SUSE Live-eval was originally included in this test but was dropped for a couple of reasons. It had a horrendous boot time, ranging from 7 to 15 minutes; it installed over 100 MB worth of files on the hard drive; and you can't use it to perform a desktop install without shelling out some cash. I really like SUSE's YaST administration tool, but everyone, myself included, felt jilted with the boot times and wanted the experience over before it began. I'm just glad I didn't hand them this CD first.
Final thoughts
Which LiveCD should you use? For new Linux users I suggest MandrakeMove. For more experienced Linux users, Slax and Mepis are good choices. But take my opinion with a grain of salt. Download, burn, and try them all for yourself.
Regardless of which distro you choose, LiveCDs are the best way for new users to safely explore the world of the Linux desktop. So grab a CD-R and go forth to convert your boss, friends, and family.
Joe Bolin is an independent network engineer and consultant and open source developer in Alabama.
< Which Distribution and Where to Get Them | Working with industrial-strength databases >
By: Joe Bolin
Topics: Distributions
With Linux appearing more frequently in the press and on TV, people are becoming more curious about it. They are still reluctant to leave their comfortable Windows world, but they are curious. Enter LiveCD Linux -- a CD with a full Linux operating system that runs completely from the CD without the need to install anything on the hard drive. Taking ten people who never used Linux before and who have only basic computer skills, I set out to run several LiveCDs through some informal tests.
Hardware
The test PC on which I timed each distro's load time was a Gateway desktop with 384MB of RAM and an nVIDIA GeForce2 video card. The boot times reported here include time to start the desktop but not BIOS runtime. Additional peripherals included an Epson Stylus 440 printer, Olympus D-390 digital camera, and Lexar 128MB USB JumpDrive. For hardware compatibility testing we also used 10 additional PCs, ranging from 233MHz Pentium IIs to 800MHz Pentium IIIs, with various components and peripherals.
We began with a group of nine LiveCDs. Six didn't make the final cut, mainly due to subpar hardware detection. Most failed to boot into graphical mode on about five of our test machines without some tweaking or a boot code. All could be tweaked or given a boot option that made them workable, but that's not something you'd expect new users to do.
We chose to test Knoppix, MandrakeMove, and Slax based on their hardware detection, applications, aesthetics, usability, and the ability to allow a non-technical person to operate without the need to tweak settings.
Knoppix
The most well-known LiveCD is Knoppix. Knoppix didn't create the genre, but it made it famous. Named after its creator, Klaus Knopper, Knoppix is based on Debian. Since its inception in 2001 Knoppix has been touted by Linux evangelists as revolutionary. It is what all other LiveCDs strive to be, though few have succeeded. It is popular among academics for demonstrating Linux to new students.
Knoppix desktop -- click to enlarge
Knoppix boot time was very good at 2:58 with a non-graphical boot process. Hardware detection was excellent, with all the removable devices available as desktop icons. All devices were mounted read-only with the exception of the diskette drive, which frustrated a couple of people. Since they were using the hard drive or USB key to save notes, it was a bit of a burden. On the desktop the testers found their way around easily. Knoppix offers a wide range of KDE and non-KDE applications, including OpenOffice.org and an extra Knoppix menu that contains some useful, albeit simple, utilities. Application speed was about the same as running an application directly from a hard drive.
The group's opinion of Knoppix was a bit mixed; they liked its speed but disliked the default menu arrangement. This was a common complaint for the KDE menu. The group felt that the default desktop lacked polish and gave them a Windows 95ish feeling. Knoppix failed to load into graphic mode on only two machines tested.
The verdict: Knoppix makes a great starter distro for users just getting to know the Linux desktop, especially those using older computers.
MandrakeMove
The most recent addition to the LiveCD genre, MandrakeMove is developed by commercial Linux distributor Mandrake Linux. MandrakeMove allows users to take Mandrake Linux with them everywhere. Although we used the free edition of MandrakeMove, the company also offers a boxed set with more advanced features that costs about the price of the USB key that it includes.
Mandrake desktop -- click to enlarge
MandrakeMove boot time was a slow 4:35, but to be fair, this was the most interactive boot of any we tested. The software asks for a language selection, acceptance of the license agreement, a user name and password, and gives a prompt for printing services. Users appreciated the graphical boot, but all the pit stops seem a bit unnecessary for this free version since it doesn't allow you to save your settings as the MandrakeMove boxed set does.
Hardware detection was excellent. Everything was detected perfectly. The USB key and camera were detected correctly but the operating system failed to display a desktop icon for the USB key.
MandrakeMove has a wide selection of software, including OpenOffice.org and the company's standard "Drake" utilities.
We noted one bug. When KDE first loads you're presented with a pop up "Welcome to MandrakeMove" window. The link to load "This Computer" failed to load drakconfig and gave an error about a missing file.
The testers found MandrakeMove's default desktop to be the most appealing of those we looked at. The operating system's ability to let users remove the LiveCD to listen to a CD had some taking a music break. Don't expect your DVD to play, though -- there's no libdvdcss here. Everyone liked MandrakeMove's menu system, with its what-do-you-want-to-do phrasing. Most of the applications are contained off the top-level under "All Applications."
Everyone felt that this was the best LiveCD for getting to know the Linux desktop. One person even said it felt more comfortable than her "other operating system." It has to be the most user-friendly interface of any we tested. The biggest complaint was the lengthy boot process, and I saw a few shortcomings inherent to Mandrake's utilities. Overall though MandrakeMove outperformed the others with its hardware detection and pleasurable, user-friendly experience.
Slax
Slax, the most unlikely finalist, is based on Slackware Linux. Slackware is often perceived as the no-nonsense, geeks-only distribution, and Slax remains true to its roots, providing the same no-nonsense approach that purists will appreciate. In spite of invoking a little culture shock, Slax was surprisingly well received by my team of novices.
Slax desktop -- click to enlarge
Slax blazed through the boot process: 58 seconds to get to the console prompt; 1:05 total to Fluxbox, a minimalistic desktop based on Blackbox; and 1:38 total to KDE. The non-graphical boot lands you at a console prompt with a few options. This was a bit of a shock for most of the mild-mannered testers. After logging in as root with a password everyone typed "gui" from the choices available and all were quickly swept into KDE 3.2 (beta2). They were unanimously more comfortable with KDE than the command line.
Slax's choice of wallpaper, theme, and icon set made everyone smile. Most liked the clean yet fun feel of the icons and theme, but the wallpaper drew the most attention with a resounding "Aww, he's just too cute." There were no desktop icons except for Trash Bin and we couldn't seem to get any enabled. A bug? Slax ran applications nearly twice as fast as those of any other LiveCD we tested. Slax doesn't include OpenOffice.org, but KOffice is available as an alternative and there is a very wide selection of other software.
Speedy performance and the look of KDE 3.2 (beta2) made Slax very popular with the group. The distro failed to load graphically on only one machine without tweaking boot settings. Test subjects complained only about the console login -- not about the console itself, but most wanted to see a graphical menu. Everyone said that if it weren't for the console, Slax would be the number one choice. Alas -- newbies.
I fell in love with Slax. I swear I saw my current paperweight, an IBM Thinkpad 360CSE running Slackware 3, smile. I missed not having Frozen Bubble, but otherwise I was hooked. This return to Slackware made me giddy.
The consensus
Overall the test group agreed that MandrakeMove was their favorite LiveCD, followed by Knoppix. All but one person said they felt very eager to put Linux on their home desktop.
As for me, Slax was my favorite, hands down. My second choice was MandrakeMove, for its overall performance and enhancements.
Et al.
The six other LiveCDs we looked at that failed to make the cut included Adios, Cool Linux, Freeduc, Gnoppix, Mepis, and Morphix. They are all worth trying, but three really stand out.
Gnoppix is a refreshing change of scenery and will be popular for those who enjoy the Gnome Desktop. Most of my testers didn't like the feel of it as compared to KDE. Bruce Perens, are you listening?
Mepis should be watched closely. I'm not quite as impressed with it as Joe Barr was, but I think it is headed in the right direction and is worth the download.
Freeduc is worth noting for its goals and direction. It is geared around nothing but educational software for kids, which is refreshing in a world full of self-righteous commercialism. It has the worst desktop interface, xfce, which made my daughter go "Eewww!" Everyone, and especially the three mothers among the testers, was very excited to see something of this genre. Consider donating some time to help make this great project better.
SUSE Live-eval was originally included in this test but was dropped for a couple of reasons. It had a horrendous boot time, ranging from 7 to 15 minutes; it installed over 100 MB worth of files on the hard drive; and you can't use it to perform a desktop install without shelling out some cash. I really like SUSE's YaST administration tool, but everyone, myself included, felt jilted with the boot times and wanted the experience over before it began. I'm just glad I didn't hand them this CD first.
Final thoughts
Which LiveCD should you use? For new Linux users I suggest MandrakeMove. For more experienced Linux users, Slax and Mepis are good choices. But take my opinion with a grain of salt. Download, burn, and try them all for yourself.
Regardless of which distro you choose, LiveCDs are the best way for new users to safely explore the world of the Linux desktop. So grab a CD-R and go forth to convert your boss, friends, and family.
Joe Bolin is an independent network engineer and consultant and open source developer in Alabama.
< Which Distribution and Where to Get Them | Working with industrial-strength databases >
Posted: Wed - April 7, 2004 at 02:06 PM
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