I have been running windows for many years now and would like to convert 2 pc's now running windows xp on my home network to knoppix.
I have a cd i boot from and run it but I would like to remove windows xp compleatly and have knoppix load from the harddrive at start up.
Can this be done?
Sure it can be done. http://www.knoppix.net/wiki/Hd_Install_HowTo

We more experienced users know that everyone (super knowledgable users & newbies alike) will have problems with PCs & new operating systems. When choosing to use Linux, a decision should be made to minimize the amount of problems & frustrations so that you can have a great Linux experience. Knoppix is a great Linux distro that is designed to be a demo or a test CD. It is very good in that capacity and we can help people quite easily. However Knoppix is not designed to be installed to the HD and this results in technical problems that make it hard for a new user to overcome. Furthermore it is difficult for us experienced users to diagnose & fix. This is why we recommend against a Knoppix HD install.

Finding a personal desktop OS distro is for me like finding a comfortable pair of dress shoes. I've bought $25 shoes that I discovered I hated. I've bought $80 shoes that again I hated. I think it has taken me a cycle of 5 pairs of shoes before I found a brand that is good looking, sturdy and more importantly comfortable to wear. You must discover the comfortable desktop OS for yourself by reading, experiementing & learning.

I recommend that you use Kubuntu (focused on KDE) or Ubuntu (focused on GNOME) or. All are designed to be installed to the HD & to be used by new users or non-technical users. This Thurday October 13, 2005, there will be a new release of Kubuntu/Ubuntu with a release number of 5.10 or you could refer to the codename "Breezy Badger". The CD download will be free ($0.00) and you can even order professional printed CDs for free ($0.00) at https://shipit.ubuntu.com/.

I also recommend Linspire because they present a well rounded, easy to use, good looking Linux distro. You can get it as cheap as $20 or as much as $50.