How to Create A Linux Live CD

A live CD allows you to boot and use an operating system without using hard drive space. Live CDs are a great way to take your favorite operating system with you wherever you go. Another use of live CDs is that you can test and use an operating system without changing any settings on your computer. Linux is the most popular platform for live CDs.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• CD/DVD drive
• Burning software that supports ISO images
• Favorite Linux distribution

Instructions

1. Download your favorite Linux distribution. See Resources below for a list of distributions.

2. Insert a blank CD into your CD drive.

3. Open your burning software and burn the ISO image to CD. See Resources for free software that supports ISO images.

4. Restart your computer with the CD in the drive. If the boot order is set up correctly on your computer, you will receive a prompt to press any key to boot from CD. Pressing a key will boot your Linux Live CD. Otherwise, continue to Step 5.

5. Change the boot order of your computer so that it boots from CD first. Which function key you press depends on your operating system and computer model. You will see a function key such as F2, F8, or F12 listed when you boot your computer. You must hit the designated key before the operating system starts to load. If you miss, simply restart and try again.

6. Search for the boot order section of your computer’s setup. Change the order so that CD is listed first and hard drive second. As long as you don’t have a bootable CD in your drive, this will not affect how your computer normally boots.

Tips & Warnings

• Try several different distributions to find what you like.

• You can also find customizable distributions for the more advanced user.

• You may need to try several times before finding the correct function key to enter setup.

• Do not change anything else while in your computer’s setup.

Resources

• List of Linux Distributions
• Deep Burner Software for ISO images.