Cobra133,

I have the very thing you need! Well, at least I know where you can get it, but same thing, right?

I work with a project called Intellibuild (basically, I document, break things and bug the developers). Intellibuild allows you to easily build a custom LiveCD with only one command, once you've set up the configuration files (I'd be happy to help you do that).

For an in depth description, check out the HOWTO at http://www.freelifeministries.org/ibuild

For you situation, I'm thinking the following:

1) Use the CDRom too boot the machine... hardware detection is Knoppix-style and software is just what you want... exactly the same.
2) Use the hard drive as just one giant swap partition... OR (And this I recommend make a partition the size of you LiveCD .iso and boot from that instead of requiring a CDROM - bam! - you just saved more money than switching to Geicko.

3) Have LTSP servers and a MOSIX like environment... no hardrive or CDROM needed for this one (I have more info, if you like).

4) Boot your LiveCD over the LAN - again, no hard drive, no CDROM needed - probably the easiest to setup (use a usb key drive, direct cheap floppy drive or PXE on ethernet card to boot)

Just some thoughts. Key is that I (and the iBuild devels) can help you get that LiveCD you're looking for.

So you know... iBuild is based on Morphix, which is a derivative of Knoppix, so inherents all of its strengths (great HW detection) without all of the weaknesses (only on iso an a pain to remaster).

There will soon be a GUI version of iBuild, too. Yippee!

Let me know if you have any questions,
KermitJunior