What many people don't realize, however, is that even if you choose not to do that, there are still many reasons to keep a copy of Linux close at hand. Most are available in LiveCD, Live DVD or Live USB format, either sold commercially that way or downloadable so that users can make their own.

is one place to buy live versions of Linux in one of these formats. Alternatively, offers a list of downloads along with links, ratings and requirements, while focuses on USB drives. However you do it, what the resulting media have in common is that they contain a whole, bootable operating system that does not need to be installed on the hard drive.

How could this be useful to your business? Let's look at a few ways.

1. Healing a Sick PC

It's no secret that Windows PCs are particularly prone to , and getting rid of it is no easy feat. That's one place Linux can help. LiveCDs, DVDs and USBs can all be used to resuscitate a crippled machine without having to access its boot records, as I've .