I have used two "Live CD" versions of Linux. One was Knoppix and the other Mepis.
Knoppix and Mepis have very similar sets of included software, as do most Linux distributions. QTpartid, a substitute for Partition Magic, is almost enough reason, in itself, to have a Live CD version of Linux in one's toolbox. It works with both Windows and Linux disk formats.
Mepis is described as a nicer face on Kubuntu (Ubuntu) and I agree that it seems more friendly than Knoppix. I haven't tried Ubuntu nor Kubuntu themselves.
I think you'll find more online info about Knoppix.
I regularly use Open Office with Windows XP and it also comes with most Linux versions.