[CDBongo]

I'm looking for a linux that is a full fledged operating system. Right now I'm running a couple-year-old mandriva one live boot cd. My friend really likes ubuntu but what concerns me is that it is only on one cd - which is small compared to the 5-6 cd offerings from fedora or suse. Does the ubuntu iso include everything to install or does it require an internet connection to download the neccessary files. I need something that can work on an online and offline computer. Also, do any of the above mentioned linuxes also have live cd's that just boot off of the cd. Is mandriva the best live linux?
Thanks

[arochester]

Does the ubuntu iso include everything to install or does it require an internet connection to download the neccessary files

Yes. You can add extra programs from the internet.

Also, do any of the above mentioned linuxes also have live cd's that just boot off of the cd

See http://www.livecdlist.com/

Is mandriva the best live linux?

The best one is the one YOU like and which suits YOUR computer. Mandriva people will say Yes. Other people will say No - their distro is best...