PCjacking

A Linux Live CD used for PCjacking. The text on it is written in French and translates: This is a Linux CD to protest against the forced sale of Microsoft Windows with every computer bought in this store. This CD leaves the computer totally unaffected. Just take the CD out of the drive and reboot to let the computer back in its original state.

File:PC City Cluny 2.jpg

A jacked PC

PCjacking is the act of putting a Linux Live CD in a public computer, such as one located in a department store or public library, and rebooting it into Linux. One reason for this might be to show people Windows is not the only operating system available and that there are alternatives. Alternatively, one might boot into Linux using a live device on a public computer in order to avoid the lack of security due to the possibile presence of malicious software (such as password-stealers). PCjacking does not damage the host PC nor alter its settings. So far the phenomenon of PCjacking has been discussed in two books.

The Frenchman Manu Cornet, who apparently invented the term, and whose website promotes the practice, has said in an interview with an Austrian magazine, pressetext, his object in PCjacking was to protest against the lack of choice in operating systems sold with a computer and called his practice 'inoffensive'. This sentiment was echoed in a New Zealand magazine PCWorld. On the other hand, another article in the magazine techiebuzz takes a dim view of the practice and advises people against it.