I'm researching on whether it's worth it to have a dual boot, or heck!, even switch from Windows. That's why i've been trying out the Live CDs from Slackware, SuSe, and Mandrake.

OK, here are my questions:

1) Do these Live CDs show the real ability of the distros or are just part of them.--What I mean is, for example, hardware recognition and stuff and like that are exactly the same or are more powerful in full versions?

2) Is there a free Live CD for RedHat or Fedora?

Thanks you guys!

1. Yes. The only thing is that the full version allows you to install non-standard driver easier.
2. Don't remember seeing it mentioned.

Welcome to LQ! Just to add to Mara's comments, I would say it depends on how you are defining the phrase the "real abilities" of the distro. In terms of functionality Yes, Live CD's will give you an accurate picture of what the installed version will be like. In terms of performance however, the installed version (which would be running off the hard drive) will probably be faster than the Live CD (which is running entirely off your CD player) Naturally this comment is predicated on the assumption that your hard drive has a higher data transfer rate than your CD drive.

As for Live CD versions of Redhat or Fedora, likewise No, I haven't seen any. -- J.W.

Thanx for the help!