Slax, based on Slackware, is a live CD operating system that is not only small in size, but it is also modularized to allow the user with near limitless customization capabilities. I chose Slax because of the ease of use, design, and most of all the customization capabilities. Slax is so versatile in that it can be run from a USB stick or CD/DVD media. The user friendliness is so highly rated that this particular distribution is recommended to UNIX/LINUX beginners. Its sleek, modern, and catch interface allows people of all ages to enjoy using it. With close to 1000 different applications available to add to your custom ISO image, nearly anyone can go to their website, click and choose what applications they want, and viola, the user has a custom live CD with the applications that they have specifically chosen. With the appropriate applications installed, Slax can provide as a very useful tool. With Wireshark, Nmap, ClamAV, and Firestarter installed, one can not only monitor network activity, run a system/installed software inventory, but also better protect from viruses and intrusions. Slax displays Preventative Technical Controls such as authorization (with the use of Nmap). Slax also meets the Detection and Recovery Technical Controls criteria due to Audit and Virus Detection and Eradication controls. In addition, Slax can help an organization meet Supporting Technical Controls with reference to identification and security administration.
With the ease of use, portability, variety of customization features, and security controls and practices that Slax allows, its popularity continues to soar. Organizations need to explore these befits first hand of open source system such as Slax. Slax is continuously being reviewed and improved upon with its most current update as of a couple of months ago August 04, 2009 with version v 6.1.2.
References: http://www.slax.org/
http://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=slax
http://www.geocities.com/slaxfansite/
