The Penguin Helps: Knoppix

A very special version of Linux has been appearing as a supplement in many PC magazines for some time. "Knoppix" is a Debian-based Linux distribution by Klaus Knopper, who gave the system its name. As this is open-source software distributed under a GPL license, it can be adapted by anyone; this has given rise to many different editions of the software. The special thing about it: the Linux distribution can be started directly from a CD and does not require any special partitions on the hard drive - in fact, it does not require a hard drive at all. This makes this Linux platform a favorite for simply trying out Linux. It also makes it ideal for backing up data.

Insert the CD and we're off

Knoppix has all sorts of tools on board to back up data. The software can be downloaded from knopper.net/knoppix .

Reading NTFS file systems is no problem for Knoppix: the partitions are recognized at startup and displayed on the desktop. Clicking them automatically mounts them and displays them in the "Conqueror". Write access is not possible, but if you have a FAT partition on your hard disk, Knoppix can write to it.

Reading NTFS files systems is no problem...

... writing to them is not possible, however

Samba does not need to be set up under Knoppix as it can be accessed directly on another computer in the network. Data backups via the local network are fast and convenient. The remote computer is accessed with the syntax "smb://rechnername/above-ground".

Network connections to Windows PCs work from the get-go

New folders and files can be created via the network, as long as permissions are set properly

Like almost all Linux distributions, Knoppix also has a web browser and OpenOffice on board. This makes it possible to quickly download a driver from the internet or to edit and print out a text file if needed to help the Windows PC "play ball".