Above all, Knoppix was one of the first operating systems to be run directly from a CD/DVD (Live CD) or an USB flash drive. It was developed by, and named after, Linux consultant Klaus Knopper.
The distribution is primarily designed to be used as a Live CD, it can also be installed on a hard disk like a typical operating system. Computers that support booting from USB devices can load Knoppix from a live USB flash drive or memory card.
Knoppix was one of the first Live CD Linux distributions to gain popularity. There are several factors that contribute to its popularity:
- Knoppix was one of the first Live CDs available, and is known as the “original” Debian-based Live CD
- Its extensive hardware detection allows most systems to start it without any configuration
- Its ability to automatically connect to most kinds of networks
- Its utilities for system repair and troubleshooting
You can learn more about the distribution from its website.
Happy birthday, Knoppix!
