This software is a Live-CD built on the Slackware Linux distribution, allowing users to run the operating system from a CD without installation.
One of the most notable features of GoblinX is its ability to function as a completely operational Linux system that runs off a single bootable CD. This functionality means that users are not required to install anything on their hard drive, making switching systems extremely easy. To revert to your previous operating system, simply reboot and remove the GoblinX CD.
GoblinX is incredibly simple to use, provided you have a bootable CD-ROM drive and a GoblinX distro CD. Once the software is running on your computer off the CD, the on-the-fly decompression feature takes over. The first screen that appears on booting prompts you to choose the kernel image and add parameters to the system, such as selecting a non-default password, disabling certain modules, and choosing a screen resolution. However, pressing ‘ENTER’ initializes the default system settings.
An engaging graphical boot using a ‘boot splash’ incorporates thumbnails of the three available windows managers, while pressing F2 allows users to see the kernel’s inner workings during boot. Once the boot is complete, the user is logged in and ready to start working or relax.
To ensure smooth running, GoblinX requires minimal hardware, though the requirements vary depending on the application. A media device (either an IDE connected CD-ROM or USB FlashDisk) that supports booting is crucial, while a non-emulation booting enabling BIOS or USB FlashDrive booting enabled are also necessary. Additionally, memory requirements vary, with 30 MB required to boot GoblinX, 64 MB to run X with XFCE or WindowMaker, and 128 MB to run X with KDE. Finally, an I486 processor or better, a keyboard and PS/2 or USB-connected mouse for X, 3D acceleration video card for some games, and no hard disk is required to run GoblinX.