Knoppix - installing to HDD rather than LiveCD
 

I'm a newbie with little Linux experience - actually no Linux experience. I've installed SUSE 10.1 but I'm having severe problems with my Broadband connection (it's not standard ADSL) and WiFi.

I've now run the Knoppix LiveCD and it connects to my Broadband service without problems. In addition I like the interface. I read somewhere you can install Knoppix to your HDD and use as any normal distro. I assume I would need Knoppix Live on a DVD to get the whole distro.

The question is how do you install it? I read you run knoppix-install. Just that. As a newbie I need to know where do I run it from and using what?

Finally would it just over write the SUSE using the SUSE default hda1 etc etc or would I have to start again. If I do what are the pitfalls?

Currently I'm running XP in 15Gb, SUSE in 15GB with the various other swaps etc. It's all on a Toshiba laptop (no problems with anything else like graphics, screen resolution but SUSE refuses to also recognise any WiFi at all: mini-pci, PCMCIA despite them all been on the approved list).

Any help appreciated.

You will have to become root to run knoppix-install. Depending on your version you may find it in your program listings. Usually I just run the command "knx2hd" from a terminal. The installer will open up qtparted and you will be given the option to overwrite the Suse partition. Be safe and back up any info you want to keep on the h/d. I have done it several times and it works well but sometimes the hardware detection isn't as good as with the CD and you may have to do some configuration.

I know this is a little off-topic, but SUSE 10.1 is not necessarily as good as SUSE 10.0. You may have noticed many posts stating that the distro took a step back with their latest release. Regarding hardware recognition and setup, it has always been my impression that SUSE 10.0 was about as good as it got in the Linux world. (I use the retail boxed version, which may be slightly different from the "open" and "eval" versions, so your mileage may vary.) Anyway, you might want to give SUSE 10.0 a try as well. Good luck in any case. :)

Thanks to both of you. I plan to try Knoppix on HDD first. The instructions mjolnir gave are clear and concise - wish I knew enough to write them myself! If it doesn't work out I'll give an earlier version of SUSE (10 perhaps) a try.

You are really better off NOT installing Knoppix, if you want something that is similiar try Kanotix it installs and runs great. I have ran Kanotix for over two years with few problems and all of them fixable. Or even PCLinuxOS which is very simple to install.

Knoppix on the other hand:
Hd Install HowTo - Knoppix Documentation Wiki Flash video on how to install Knoppix if you still want to go that route: http://www.irongeek.com/i.php?page=videos/knoppix1

I ran a HD install of Knoppix for about 7-8 months and had no problems with it till I started updating and using off the wall repositories. I replaced that install with Kanotix and love it. My 3rd grader has taken it over as her machine and has had no problems at all with it. I also think Kanotix is a bit better choice for an install but Knoppix isn't bad either.

Again thanks everyone. Such diversity of views! I looked at the WiKi entry and found the Video http://www.irongeek.com/i.php?page=videos/knoppix1 very helpful. Luckily I'm experimenting with my 'standby' laptop so can take risks as my real data is on my main laptop. So I can try several installations before deciding which way to go.

I've now tried Knoppix LiveCD (works fine but needs a complete reset when booting), SUSE 10.1 full install which doesn't detect most of hardware (ie Broadband, WiFi and Printer) so is hopeless for a newbie, Ubuntu LiveCD in both 32 and 64 bit editions (similar results to SUSE 10.1).

Despite the potential problems I'm going to go ahead with an experimental Knoppix HDD installation - the intention is to replace the SUSE 10.1 install using the various HDD partitions set up when I installed SUSE 10.1. If that is a disaster I can start all over again.

Well I tried. First I selected the 'Beginners' option after typing knoppix-installer from root (for transferring the Knoppix LiveCD to HDD). It didn't recognise as much hardware as the LiveCD. But the real disater was when I rebooted and selected Debian (no other option except Windows). I immediately saw 'Kernel Panic: Not syncing VFS unable to mount root fs on unknown - block(3,6).

So I then tried to reinstall with the 'exactly as LiveCD but on HDD'. Just the same result. Finally I tried the Debian (recommended) install with exactly the same crash.

I then booted up from the LiveCD and everything performed as expected.

To regain access to the Linux part of my HDD I've reinstalled SUSE 10.2 and (within the limits I've outlined before) it runs OK. Wish I could access my Broadband using it!

Oh well XP is still working perectly.

Why not just try the Debian Etch netinstall disk.

If Knoppix is giving you problems I would suggest trying in no particular order
Kanotix, PCLinuxOS, Mepis, Ubuntu, Fedora Core 5. Also you may want to reformat your drive before trying to install a different distro.

craigevil - I've downloaded the 32 and 64 bit editions of Kanotix. Initial trials with the 32 bit edition look promising. I will run it from CD for a few days before trying to install it to my HDD.