I'm a Linux noob and want to learn more about the various Linux OS's and Knoppix seemed a good place to start. I ordered the Knoppix CD (4.0.2) and tried it in my system but all it does is show the little penguin image and then nothing. I bought the Linux bible in order to research the problem and got a Knoppix on DVD (also 4.0.2) with it. I tried that one and still nothing. My system is self-built with Athlon [email protected], Mach Speed Viper MB V881DAS, Windows XP-SP2, Seagate 7200, 1 Gb RAM and DigitalMax DVD +-RW. I checked the BIOS and placed CD as first boot option and still am not getting a response from the Knoppix CD or DVD.

At this point I am at a loss since I am totally unfamiliar with the Linux OS kernel. Any suggestions or ideas would be appreciated. Thanks.