Runtime Software, which develops data recovery tools such as DriveImage XML, have done something I think is pretty cool. They've released a Linux-based (Knoppix) bootable live system yet all their tools are native Windows-based. There's some Linux tools included (like GParted), but the Windows ones are sitting right next to them "seamlessly". I know they used WINE emulation but they made it look easy. And since it's Knoppix, the bootable CD-ROM features automatic hardware detection and support for many network adapters, graphic cards, hard disk controllers, SCSI and USB devices, and other peripherals. Even touchscreens and wireless keyboards/mice. It's worked flawlessly on all the hardware I've thrown at it. A lot of the rescue disks I've tried out don't recognize much of the hardware and simply failed to do me any good -- or exceedingly difficult -- because of the hardware issues. For example, can't restore an image from a NAS drive because of a laptop's unrecognized network adapter (wired or wireless).
