GeoNetwork is a Java-based software server that provides the following capabilities:
GeoNetwork also incorporates GeoServer, an open source Java data server.
GeoNetwork makes data discovery and sharing, easy!
GeoNetwork uses a variety of open source libraries such as Lucene and JDOM. It uses standards based protocols from organisations such as the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC), who have made the GeoNetwork implementation of its Catalog Service (CSW) the reference implementation. It uses modern technologies such as XML and XSLT.
GeoNetwork is free software. This significantly lowers the financial barrier to entry when compared to traditional GIS Catalog products. Not only is it available free of charge, it is also open source. Bug fixes and feature improvements in open source software are greatly accelerated when compared to traditional software solutions. Using GeoNetwork in your organization also prevents software lock-in, saving costly legacy support contracts.
GeoNetwork has a large and vibrant community consisting of users and developers from all over the world. Support is available through a variety of sources, such as email lists and IRC (the latter with real time access to software developers).
To run GeoNetwork on the Live DVD, click on the "Start GeoNetwork" link on the desktop. Wait a few seconds and then click on the "GeoNetwork" icon. Use this link to view the geonetwork application once it's had time to load.
http://localhost:8880/geonetwork
For help getting started and for more information take a look at the Geonetwork Manual>