This is one of the Distros you MUST try. Relatively small CD of about 198MB contains all programms to satisfy your needs.
Since the distro is Slack based and I am a Slack addict, I downloaded CD through a registration on site and made it go....
I was impressed from very begining of regular start up. First of all very good hardware detection and it was fast. Secondly, gNOX comes with all the goodies of up to date Slackware and MORE.
If you ask about HD install the answer is yes. If you want just save your settings om HD - also positive. "Slackware Package Manager" - you've got it. SLackware always has been difficult with writing CDs. gNOX has taken care about it for you. Innovative "Gnome Baker" with easy to use interface is real gift. USB view, Ethereal, Dropline and Abiword. I say that I could not find any fault in distribution, inspite of being beta release! For Newbies and Pros this distro may as well be longed salvation from many of Slack's misbehaviours.
Highly recommended!!