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In reference to [[computers]], bootable media is any kind of storage device which contains a [[BIOS]] usable [[operating system]].<ref>http://www.acronis.com/en-us/support/documentation/ABR11.5/index.html#714.html</ref> Although every computer has an operating system on its internal drive, there is sometimes a need for an independent system. Bootable media can involve Compact Disks ([[CD-ROM]]s), Digital Versatile Discs ([[DVD]]s), USB flash drives, external [[hard disk]] or [[Solid-state drive|solid-state]] drives, Compact Flash (CF) or Secure Digital (SD) cards, or other removable storage.
==Uses==
Removable bootable media is probably most often used when the local system has a problem, or a information has been lost on the same internal drive. Bootable media enables the user or technician to easily access work on the computer without using the internal system, and in so doing, potentially making the problem worse. Of course, if the internal system is not functioning, bootable media is also often needed. Once a computer is running a system from external media, a variety of things can be done, including:
*Data recovery
*Bit/sector repair
*System restoration from a backup
*Complete system backup
*File manipulation (sometimes prevented by the local system)
*Malware search and removal
*Other system maintenance
In some cases, bootable media is used for other purposes as well. One purpose which is popular among certain circles is the use for anonymity. Rather than using the host system which will track activity, some use a bootable disk with a system such as [[Tails (operating system)|TAILS]] to work on. When they are done, there is little record of what has been done left on the computer.
==Portable operating systems==
There are a variety of systems which may be installed on bootable media. Here are some common systems:
*[http://ubcd4win.org Ultimate Boot CD for Windows] (UBCD4Win)
*[http://www.hirensbootcd.org Hiren’s BootCD]
*[http://www.ultimatebootcd.com Ultimate Boot CD] (or UBCD, not to be confused withUBCD4Win)
*[https://tails.boum.org The Amnesic Incognito Live System] (TAILS)
Also, many GNU/Linux distributions offer an option to run the system from the install disk, rather than installing. Lastly, there are a variety of limited purpose systems offered by anti-malware companies such as [[Avast]], [[Avira]], and [[AVG]] which are designed for the sole purpose of scanning an infected computer for malware and removing it.
==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Computers]]
==Uses==
Removable bootable media is probably most often used when the local system has a problem, or a information has been lost on the same internal drive. Bootable media enables the user or technician to easily access work on the computer without using the internal system, and in so doing, potentially making the problem worse. Of course, if the internal system is not functioning, bootable media is also often needed. Once a computer is running a system from external media, a variety of things can be done, including:
*Data recovery
*Bit/sector repair
*System restoration from a backup
*Complete system backup
*File manipulation (sometimes prevented by the local system)
*Malware search and removal
*Other system maintenance
In some cases, bootable media is used for other purposes as well. One purpose which is popular among certain circles is the use for anonymity. Rather than using the host system which will track activity, some use a bootable disk with a system such as [[Tails (operating system)|TAILS]] to work on. When they are done, there is little record of what has been done left on the computer.
==Portable operating systems==
There are a variety of systems which may be installed on bootable media. Here are some common systems:
*[http://ubcd4win.org Ultimate Boot CD for Windows] (UBCD4Win)
*[http://www.hirensbootcd.org Hiren’s BootCD]
*[http://www.ultimatebootcd.com Ultimate Boot CD] (or UBCD, not to be confused withUBCD4Win)
*[https://tails.boum.org The Amnesic Incognito Live System] (TAILS)
Also, many GNU/Linux distributions offer an option to run the system from the install disk, rather than installing. Lastly, there are a variety of limited purpose systems offered by anti-malware companies such as [[Avast]], [[Avira]], and [[AVG]] which are designed for the sole purpose of scanning an infected computer for malware and removing it.
==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Computers]]