Screenshot of the Live CD of Mandriva Linux Free 2010.2 RUS with KDE 4 |
Live CD/DVD is a complete operating system which can run in computers memory instead of loading from hard drive. There are many Live CD/DVD available in internet like Black track, Hirens boot cd etc. An interesting feature of this Live CD/DVD is that, users can evaluate and analyse OS without installing it. These are really a boon if computer is running out of storage space. Users can use OS without making changes in present Operating system.
Commonly, the Live CD/DVD do not change hard drive files. But in certain situations it is necessary to change hard drive files for removing virus or malwares and for system restore. So special applications and mechanisms are used here.
Its uses include,
* quick and simple clustering of computers
* installing a Linux distribution to a hard drive
* testing new versions of software
* cracking/stealing passwords
* network security testing
* listing & testing hardware
* system repair and restoration
* high security/non-invasive environment for a guest
* computer forensics
* playing video games
* providing a secure server platform where crucial files cannot be permanently altered
* providing a secure, reliable platform for the performance of high-vulnerability tasks such as internet banking;
* Internet kiosks, which can be brought back to their original state by a reboot