[PLUG] What is a "live distro"?

[Rich Shepard]

On Tue, 27 Dec 2011, Richard Owlett wrote:

> Is it correct to say a "live instance" is:
>     a. an emulation?
>     b. a virtual machine/other?

   Generally, a live distribution means that the entire system is on a
bootable optical disk (CD or DVD). Someone can insert the disk in the
optical drive, reboot the system, and up comes the linux distribution in
full working order. When one is done fiddling, examining, or otherwise using
the software, exiting the distribution opens the optical drive door and
reboots the machine to its original installed OS.

   These are used to demonstrate linux, to allow someone to become familiar
with it without altering what is on the host machine, and to rescue a
FUBARed linux box.

HTH,

Rich