Basic help for beginners

[Denver Dave]

I never use Knoppix as a hard drive install with the possible exception
of using 0wn as a means to the end of re-mastering.

For security reasons: don't use Knoppix as your operating system!

Let me first say that the authors of the above quotes know a lot more about linux and knoppix than I do.

However, it is hard to pick the right distribution. My first pick is ubuntu 11.10, but alas while 11.04 runs on both my laptop and my desktop, 11.10 does not run on my desktop for unknown reasons. Knoppix 6.7.1 runs on both as well as an old pre-windows XP PC that I have.

I've ordered disks and at least given a cursory look at the following distros:

utuntu 11.04 and 11.10
knoppix 6.7 and 6.7.1
AV Linux 5.0 and 5.02
Zorin OS 5.1 Core
Puppy Linux 5.2.8
Linux Mint 12
openSUSE 12.1
Debian Live 6.0.3 GNOME
PC Linux OS Gnome 2010.12
Bodhi

My search has been shallow, but I have been seriously looking for linux distribution that I can use on an ongoing basis. To knoppix's credit and detriment, at this point, knoppix is my second choice. This is a pretty good complement for knoppix to be 2nd after struggling with installation issues and so far not being able to install standard Firefox or Thunderbird:
http://www.knoppix.net/forum/threads...Knoppix-6.7-CD

Also quite the accomplishment for ubuntu 11.10 to be first, given it doesn't even run on my desktop.

My thinking is that I'll keep making progress with knoppix and be able to run the very popular applications while avoiding a lot of stuff I don't need.

The password / security discussion may be beyond me. The 2nd time I installed knoppix I choose the encryption option, which resulted in an encrypted USB drive and a required password - so I might be missing the point of this whole discussion - seems like security to me.

Anyway, if there are other knoppix people that have information on how to get a standard set of popular applications running under knoppix, let's share information:

Standard Firefox and Thunderbird 8 with addons - Google contacts, Lightning, QuickFox Notes, ReminderFox, Address Book Tab, Google Contacts in Tab
Openshot 1.4 video editor
KeepNote 0.7.7 (I have this running on knoppix with help from the forum - thank you)
SpiderOak 4.1.9907 with help from the forum

So far, I've been impressed with knoppix - All my linux work as been done with either CD / DVD or USB boot drives