Introduction
Ubuntu LiveCDs let you run Ubuntu from a CD-ROM without needing to be installed permanently. LiveCDs are great for testing hardware, doing system recovery or showing new people Ubuntu. LiveCDs aren't so good for day-to-day use though, as they're slower and it's hard to keep settings between sessions.
See the Getting Ubuntu page for details about downloading the LiveCD.
Using the LiveCD
After you get your CD, pop it into any computer and reboot the computer. Ubuntu will load. After you are done, shut the computer down and remove the CD.
Keeping your LiveCD settings
If you want to save your LiveCD session to a USB stick, check LiveCDPersistence
Making a customised LiveCD
If you want to make custom Ubuntu-based Live CD, you should read the LiveCD Customization Howto.
To create a customized live system without starting from an existing Ubuntu CD, see LiveCD Customization From Scratch.
Common issues with a LiveCD
Logging in
You can set a password during a LiveCD session by opening a terminal, and typing in:
$ sudo passwd ubuntu
Text-Mode installation
If your normal installation fails without giving an error message, or if you want to install on a very limited system, you can use the text-based installer instead.