Knowing Knoppix
The first guide to Knoppix for the complete beginner
Knoppix is an astoundingly clever
product. It runs Linux completely
from CD. There is no need to install. It bypasses all the software
already installed on your PC or laptop. It automatically detects the
hardware in your computer, such as video card, sound card, networking,
the lot (subject to suitable hardware). When you've finished using
Knoppix, simply restart. Your computer will return to your regular
system, and it will behave as if nothing has happened. Knoppix is Free
Software and open source under the terms of the GNU General Public
Licence (GPL).
Knowing Knoppix is a
beginner-friendly book designed to help with these situations:
- You can't start Windows! Disaster? Possibly not. It is often
possible to rescue files using Knoppix from crashed Windows computers,
even when Windows cannot be started. This guide takes you step by step
through the process.
- You are curious about Linux, and you want to discover what all
the
fuss is about.
- You want a useful guide to help you get started with Knoppix.
Reviews
Some of the comments we have received (slightly edited):
- "Amazingly useful, well written and concise" -- Sam Posten,
Adjunct Professor, Monmouth University, New Jersey, USA
- "Easy and educational" -- Mark Repp, Technology Trainer, Port
Huron Area School District, USA
- "Rocks. For the beginner, well written... flows" -- Knoppix Forums
- "Hats off... an excellent book" - Knoppix Forums
What's new
On 1 January 05 the book was featured
on Slashdot. I received many useful
comments. The result: certain inaccuracies have been
corrected; some of the more advanced material has been moved
towards the back of the book; and a few non-essential details have been
deleted. I hope this will improve readability for new users.
Download
Just as Knoppix is free, so is Knowing
Knoppix. It is released under the GNU Free Documentation
Licence. You are welcome to copy and redistribute it (subject to
certain conditions). You will probably want to download the PDF
version. The source archive contains the original documents in
OpenOffice.org version 1.1.1 (SXW) format.
Knowing Knoppix is designed for
off-line reading. It is meant to be read as a companion to your PC or
laptop, not as part of it. That is why it is offered in PDF format.
Please note that the version of Knoppix covered is 3.3, which is a bit
dated now. Version 3.3 was the current version when we started writing
the book.
Requirements
To run Knoppix in full and follow the instructions in Knowing Knoppix, you need:
- At least 128 Mb RAM.
- Pentium compatible PC (350 Mhz or faster is the practical
minimum).
- Bootable CD-ROM drive, or any CD-ROM drive plus 1.44 Mb floppy
drive.
- SVGA compatible graphics card.
- Serial, PS/2 or USB mouse.
Printed version
An "official" printed version is now available to order directly from
us. You get:
- Knoppix version 3.3 on CD-ROM.
- Knoppix bootable floppy disk (this is used in case you cannot
boot from the CD-ROM).
- 134 pages of colour printed Knoppix know-how.
- Front and back covers printed on 280 gsm Premium Plus Satin-Matt
paper.
- Waterproof transparent covers front and back (this helps to keep
spilt coffee away).
- Spiral binding so the book will lie open flat on the table.
This will cost £20 (UK customers), £21 (Europe) or
£22 (Rest of the World). Payment is only accepted in UK Pounds
Sterling. If you would like to order a copy please email us and we will
be delighted to hear from you.
Copyright:
Phil Jones Computers, November 2004.
Email: philjones1 [at]
blueyonder.co.uk. Replace [at] with @ to complete the email address.