1.2.2 Debian

This is relevant if you decide to install Linux permanently. The good thing about installing Linux permanently is speed. The Knoppix distro is a little slow because it needs to load everything from the CD. Furthermore, with a permanent installation, the default home directory is non-volatile, so you don't need an extra step to save/restore your homework files.

My favorite Linux distro is Debian. In fact, Knoppix is based on Debian. Without starting a distro war, let's just say that Debian is a little harder to install, but easy to update and maintain. Because I personally use it, I can also share what I know with you.

Debian is easy to install if you have broadband connection. Download four start-up floppy disks to boot a PC, and everything else can be downloaded. This is cool because you don't have to buy anything! (Except the four floppy disks, but you have that already.) Without broadband, I suggest that you use the Knoppix CD instead. You can install Linux permanently from a Knoppix CD.