Is booting from a live cd/usb/dvd traceable?

[Deuk]

Does booting from a source other than the hard disk leave any trace on the system in question? I know that doing this goes around the hard drive in most cases but does the BIOS keep a log of boots? I am using a loaned computer and don't want to leave a trace. I doubt the loaner would be happy if they did find out I was tinkering with a Linux OS.
-note I'm not to doing anything illegal with this machine...
-deuk

[fashizzlepop]

I have not heard of BIOS keeping a record of boots so I am guessing it's safe. Not completely positive tho...

[mutants_r_us_guild]

Well it depends... are you rebooting straight from the DVD/CD/USB or are you running it from within Windows. (Ubuntu has this feature)?

If you use the latter method... it could be traceable, granted the computer has software to log opened applications. (most keylogger software does this.)

But in general... no.. the only thing you need to worry about is getting caught in the process.

[screamthepoetry]

lol..i dont think it leaves a trace in the bios..but even if it does just flash your cmos before you give it back lol. to make even more sure, pull the battery off the mother board then wait 30 seconds and put it back. but no i dont think it will leave a trace.