There are two main flavors of Linux, Installed distribution and Live distribution (Live CD/DVD/USB). Installed distribution is installed on the hard disk/SSD of the PC/Laptop while live distribution does not require installation of OS on hard disk/SSD and boots in RAM (Random Access Memory) completely from Live CD/DVD/USB.
This article will discuss the 10 best and most popular Linux live distributions (live CDs).
What are the 10 Popular and Best Linux Live CDs?
Live CDSs have a few cases as follows:
- Live CDs are used mainly for testing features of Linux distributions and to get the feel of the distribution to make up their mind about the distribution.
- Recovering files from damaged drives.
- Finding hardware problems.
- Used for demo and educational purposes.
Most of the Linux distributions are available on Live CDs. Discussed below are the top 10 most popular Linux live CDs:
Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a dependable and widely used Linux distribution across desktop, server, and cloud platforms. It is based on Debian and was introduced as a user-friendly Debian distribution in 2004 but now Ubuntu is a distribution of its own. Ubuntu has a great UI (User Interface) and application availability due to which it works for every user type, i.e., from basic level user to advanced level user. Ubuntu live CD can be optimized to include only selected software packages. Additionally, Ubuntu has an active community for quick support.
Debian
Debian is the base for many distributions, e.g., Ubuntu, Trails, Knoppix, etc.. It provides an extensive software repository and is secure and stable. Debian provides smooth updates, has extensive hardware support, and also has a very large active community for quick support. While booting Debian Live CD, users can choose their preferred GUI desktop environment.
Fedora
Fedora was developed in 2003 and is the base for many distributions e.g., Nobara, ClearOS, RisiOS, Cubes OS, etc. It has a user-friendly UI in Fedora, and package managers like DNF and GNOME can be used to install additional software from software repositories.
Knoppix
Knoppix is the most popular Debian-based Live CD. Knoppix prepares the OS at every boot by detecting the available hardware using its smart detection module. It is optimized for speed and has great performance. The most popular usage for Knoppix is file recovery from damaged drives.
It contains many open-source applications for recovering files, rending corrupt drives, disk integrity, etc. The Knoppix DVD version contains extra software packages as compared to its CD version. Knoppix is actively maintained and updated. Additionally, it has an active community and excellent hardware support.
Kuppy Linux
Puppy Linux is a compact and lightweight Linux distribution. It is fast with a friendly User Interface (UI). It comes with basic tools and is good for basic computing, web browsing, etc. It can work on modern computers and older computers. It can work even on old computers of the 1990s with low processors, RAM, and storage capabilities.
Kali Linux
Kali Linux is security-focused and is for professionals, administrators, and nerds. It comes up with many pre-installed tools on Live CD and it is used for ethical hacking, testing systems penetration, and other security-related tasks. It also comes with “forensic mode”, where administrators and professionals can perform system checks. Kali Linux is updated regularly and has a very large active community for quick support.
Clonezilla
Clonezilla is a lightweight and customized distribution. Clonezilla live CD can be installed on regular systems as well as on server systems. Its main usage is backing up and restoring any OS (Operating System).
Slax
Slax is a fast, lightweight, modern Linux OS with a modern approach and an appealing GUI. Slax is available in two builds: Debian and Slackware. A user can select the base and customize it accordingly. It is good for both pro-Linux users and users who are new to Linux. Additionally, it offers 32-bit support for older systems.
Porteus
Porteus is a fast, compact (under 300Mb), and customizable Linux distribution designed to work on any bootable media (CD/DVD/USB). It relies on a module-based software management system and supports both 64-bit and 32-bit systems.
Talis
Talis is a highly secure Linux distribution focused on security and anonymity and protects against surveillance and censorship. It comes with pre-installed identity masking tools like VPNs, and proxies. It can be used to handle sensitive and confidential data and to access dark web, non-trusted, and shady websites. It is designed to work on any bootable media (CD/DVD/USB).
Conclusion
Live CDs can be very handy for emergencies, for example, if an SSD or Hard Disk is damaged or crashes or system updates go wrong, etc. In this article, the 10 most popular and best Live CDs are discussed. However, it is recommended to install the distribution on an SSD/hard disk if one wants to experience the true potential of a distribution.
