KNOPPIX is a "live" Linux distro this means everything is done in RAM. KNOPPIX it's self is AMAZING it manages to fit about 5 gig of stuff on a single CD (done with some impresive compression) so a version of UAE (or what ever) built on this would not touch your hard disks... I myself use KNOPPIX as a Fix disk when my version of mandrake goes arse over...
TwIsTeD