There are hundreds of types of Linux ("distros") out there, and it may seem confusing deciding on which one to use.

For general everyday use, the best Linux live CD for beginners is the Ubuntu live CD. If you want an easy-to-use Linux that can surf the Web, check email, edit digital photos, chat on MSN, Yahoo, AIM, ICQ, IRC, and Jabber, run Internet telephone software (including Ekiga and Skype), then Ubuntu is a great choice.

If you want a Linux live CD that can help you rescue a damaged Windows XP installation, then you might want to try something like Knoppix.

Frozentech.com has a great list of Linux live CDs that categorizes them by function.

Good Linux distros for travelers are:

• Slax — a small easy-to-use live CD that can save settings to a USB thumb drive.
• Ubuntu — a full-size live CD that "just works". Does not have the ability to save settings to a USB thumb drive though.
• Knoppix — a full-size live CD that can save settings and also makes a great rescue disk for computers with operating system damage.
• Damn Small Linux — a tiny Linux live CD of about 50MB that can even be installed to a USB thumb drive. It can also run inside of Windows, but that won't protect your from keylogging software that might be running on the Windows hard drive.