Allright, let's see. I've got the Knoppix 3.4 ISO image file downloaded (I love my DSL) after trying different mirrors and finding one that ran at decent speeds (between 30 and 100 k speeds). Varified the ISO file with a MD5 Sum thingy. Burned a bootable CD and non-bootable CD (back-up in case I loose the bootable and don't wanna download the whole thing again) using Nero Ultra 6.
Now, Knoppix users, I've got a few questions. I've checked the Knoppix site, and they don't really say much. I'm curious as to the following:
1) I use Windows XP, with the (IMO) crappy default NTFS file system. I've heard Linux isn't fully compatible with NTFS (risk of data loss, etc), so should I go find out how to make a little FAT-32 partition for Linux files, or should it be okay like it is?
2) What exactly happens when you boot from the CD? Is there some sort of setup phase? I know it doesn't install to the harddrive (despite the possibility of doing so), and it's supposed to be completely off the CD, but there's gotta be SOME things put on the harddrive, right? Like settings and config files and such? Linux-only files? (One of the reasons I'm concerned about the NTFS thing).
3) If I shut down the comp and boot it back up WITHOUT the CD, will it go back to booting WinXP like normal (provided I set BIOS to boot from the harddrive again)?
4) Just HOW MUCH Linux will I need to know to use this? Does it start out in GUI mode, or will I need to familiarize myself with Linux commands first (which I plan to do VERY SOON either way)?
I don't know how many of you out there use Knoppix or are familiar with it, but any and all comments are appreciated!! I'd like to find out as much as I can before trying this.
I'm trying to take all the necessary precautions, as this is my only GOOD computer, and I don't wanna mess anything up or lose anything...
Now, Knoppix users, I've got a few questions. I've checked the Knoppix site, and they don't really say much. I'm curious as to the following:
1) I use Windows XP, with the (IMO) crappy default NTFS file system. I've heard Linux isn't fully compatible with NTFS (risk of data loss, etc), so should I go find out how to make a little FAT-32 partition for Linux files, or should it be okay like it is?
2) What exactly happens when you boot from the CD? Is there some sort of setup phase? I know it doesn't install to the harddrive (despite the possibility of doing so), and it's supposed to be completely off the CD, but there's gotta be SOME things put on the harddrive, right? Like settings and config files and such? Linux-only files? (One of the reasons I'm concerned about the NTFS thing).
3) If I shut down the comp and boot it back up WITHOUT the CD, will it go back to booting WinXP like normal (provided I set BIOS to boot from the harddrive again)?
4) Just HOW MUCH Linux will I need to know to use this? Does it start out in GUI mode, or will I need to familiarize myself with Linux commands first (which I plan to do VERY SOON either way)?
I don't know how many of you out there use Knoppix or are familiar with it, but any and all comments are appreciated!! I'd like to find out as much as I can before trying this.
I'm trying to take all the necessary precautions, as this is my only GOOD computer, and I don't wanna mess anything up or lose anything...