Computers are incredible tools that let users doing amazing things, but sometimes things go wrong. The problem could be as small as accidentally deleting files or forgetting a password—and as major as having an operating system rendered non-bootable by file system corruption. Or, worst case scenario, a hard drive dying completely. In each of these cases, and many more like them, there are specialized tools that can aid you in fixing problems with a computer or help you be prepared for when something bad does happen.
Many of these tools are actually highly-specialized Linux distributions. These distributions have a much narrower focus than the major desktop and server Linux distributions. So while you can find the vast majority of the same software packages are included in the repositories for the major distributions, these specialized distributions are designed to put all the programs you would need for computer repair or backup/restoration in one convenient place. Many of them even have customized user interfaces to make using the software easier.
Below, I look at five different Linux distributions designed to make your life easier when computers start giving you a headache. Give them a try, and make sure you keep CDs or USB drives with your favorites handy for when something does go wrong. If you like, you can even try using Scott Nesbitt's instructions for how to test drive Linux to install these distributions to a USB stick instead of burning a CD or using the sometimes more complex instructions available on the projects' websites for creating a bootable flash drive installation.
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