Get a bootable live system consisting of a representative collection of GNU/Linux software.
Knoppix is a bootable live system on CD or DVD, consisting of a representative collection of GNU/Linux software, automatic hardware detection, and support for many graphics cards, sound cards, SCSI and USB devices and other peripherals. Knoppix can be used as a productive Linux system for the desktop, educational CD, rescue system, or adapted and used as a platform for commercial software product demos. It is not necessary to install anything on a hard disk. Due to on-the-fly decompression, the CD can have up to 2 GB of executable software installed on it.
One of the better Live CD Linux versions available
James Denison
Pros
Unlike the somewhat stripped down other Live CD versions of Linux, this one comes with most of what is needed to accomplish various tasks, listen to music, view movies, browser, etc.
Cons
May have problems with some AMD controller chips on some motherboards, like the 780 and up.
Summary
There are so many linux based programs but this version has the favorites. I prefer the KDE interface, which it uses. I've had problems with Ubuntu and Kubuntu Live CD's on some motherboards, even older socket A board that Knoppix has no problems with.