Bootable Linux CD w/ MapServer + Goodies

Sourcepole - GIS Knoppix

If you're into Web mapping and haven't gotten around to trying the Open Source mapping applications, GIS Knoppix is the easiest way to get started.

GIS Knoppix is a free download that when burned to a CD, will allow you to boot into Linux (from the CD) and comes with MapServer, MySQL, QGis, PostgreSQL/PostGIS, GRASS and all the other goodies that a mapping person should be aware of.

You DON'T need to know how to use Linux, so don't be intimidated by that. The only prerequisite is that you know how to burn a CD. It is suprisingly easy to get going and risk free (it doesn't bother your Windows install...infact, nothing is installed at all).

So download it, burn it to a disc and boot your computer with the CD in the drive. If nothing else, at least you can say you tried it.