How to create a live CD with your own applications?

I've been looking for creating my own live CD to restore backups and perhaps have some useful applications for example to rescue data in case of a virus or some system crash.

I've been experimenting with WinPE en BartPE, but I was guessing there were more advanced versions by now. I also found the VistaPE version, since I think WinPE is based on Windows.

But now I need to find out where I can find how to add applications to these CDs or perhaps there is a way to make my own Linux Live CD.

Any suggestions?

For linux, try Reconstructor to create your own Ubuntu live CD with programs of your choice:

Reconstructor is a Live CD creator for Ubuntu Linux.

It uses the Ubuntu Linux Live CD as a base, and then allows customization of boot screens (usplash), gnome settings, and software (you can also use the chroot environment to make other changes before creating the live cd).

Reconstructor uses the solid Ubuntu foundation, and allows for extensive customization. For example, create a custom Live CD with blender, inkscape, etc. included for a friend in graphics, or simply use econstructor to re-brand your environment (wallpaper, fonts).

From what I have heard, it is dead simple. Just run

sudo python reconstructor.py

from the folder where you extracted it and follow the nice, pretty prompts. You will need either a live Ubuntu CD or an .iso for one.

Build your own Linux LiveCD

LiveCD Creation Resources (Windows & Linux)