Hello,

I am looking for a live linux distro that is able to recognize more hardware by "default" without installation. For example, when I borrow a laptop/netbook, I want to be able to boot the live linux distro and be able to have wireless access to internet (at least most of the time).

I know how to get the wireless working if I have internet access to begin with, but sometimes I do not have a wired connection or am not allowed to install stuff.

I would like to try many live distros on different laptops, but it would be hard to convince other people to give me their laptops to do that; so I would really appreciate your help.

Thanks

this is not about the distro this is a kernel question. since all the hardware drivers are in the kernel. Read this And realize when you post to the open community you may be talking to the people that maintain and write the drivers. check this out.here
the linux kernel went over a million lines years ago. uncompressed kernel is about 350 mb and completely compiled is over a gig of drivers.
it is up to you to learn the very basics to utilize this knowledge.

Thanks for your prompt response.

But the link you give (Linux Hardware Compatibility Lists) has the list by distros (at least the beginning), not kernels. Why?

I realize that. What is the problem with asking a question? I don't see your point there.

Thanks for that information, that means that it is small enough to fit in a "regular" thumb drive.

Are you saying that I should create my own live linux distro? If so, it would seem that you answered my question "Live linux distro with more wifi drivers" by saying 'go create your own' (not that it is a bad answer, by the way).


Thanks

Knoppix is a well-known live-centric distro with good hardware support.

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My object was to let you have all the info. it is up to you to read why.

Take a look at puppy
http://puppylinux.org/main/index.php...%20Started.htm

Kind regards

I second the motion on Knoppix. Mint might be a second choice. At one time I might have said Suse, but now I will not touch it with a ten foot pole.

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I could show you how to make your own,etc with various kernels
in the ones I make, and I'm no expert
I try to put in all the drivers I can

I can point you to kernel sources allowing you to create a good livecd/usb,etc
too

I will try Knoppix. When I have more time and experience I will try to make my own.

Thanks

I have a small usb device that I know works. Just bring it every time you bring the live cd. That way you don't guess.

I am doing same idea, and found Pinguy OS has native support from LiveDVD for Broadcom perhaps Atheros (not yet tried) and most linux have Intel Pro support. Those 3 brands cover the majority of WiFi Adapters.

However if it is to create USB live stick of the distro YOU like, then another option would be to simply carry a USB WiFi adapter with you and plug that into the notebook and use that instead. But of course you will need a USB WiFi that is compatible with the Distro.

Despite ease of installing to a USB flash drive, Knoppix is not the choice for USA. Its repositories are in DE so you would not be able to update it.
I can say Knoppix is easy to put on a flash drive as it contains an installer and was meant to be. However it also appears to lack support for HP printers.

Pinguy however even from the Live CD/DVD does. Since it is Ubuntu Based, it will or should install using same procedures as Ubuntu.

This is my Today Project. I am creating a PinGuy OS USB on a flash drive (32GB) with persistent of the remaining space, I plan to allow 10 GB for the main which often ends up being the partiton that windows will see, but not sure on that. I do have knoppix working on a 16GB flash drive but as mentioned since you cannot update it, then its not what in the long run you really want.

Its funny since I was going to go with Ubuntu Mate, but it seems that Ubuntu Mate kernel in current form actually lacks wifi native Broadcom support.

For the sake of time then I would go with this if you have not already decided. Pinguy also has all the usual diagnotics tools which is what I am looking for but it also has a beautiful software, and a superior wifi printer support base already built in. I plan to go with 32 biy x-686 for the reason of being able to use it on anyones computer as a diagnostic tool.
That will end up on my 16GB flash drive, and then put 32 bit version on my new 32GB flash drive which will mainly get used personal use. But figure the investment is $25 for 2 computers on a stick. Cant do much better than that...
Pinguy is an excellent distro otherwise too, with tons of eye candy and everything working OOB.

As stated above Puppy Linux may be another great candidate for one that will easily install to USB and hopefully have all the WiFi drivers to use as a diagnostic tool.
I know that you can also install CLAM AV to aid those windoze users when they get hit with more malware than anyone can usually handle. I despise using the internet with windows now that I have seen both sides of the coin.