nmap -O will let you know what OS is running on a given machine.

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To my knowledge all the laptops supplied to students are just Thinkpad netbooks. All thinkpads have the battery and sleep lights on them, and they work perfectly under Gnu/Linux.

Op, i'm guessing that they knew someone accesed the computers from a live USB via what others have said above, they figured it was you by the process of elimination.

There are actually a few different types now. In NSW it started with Lenovo IdeaPad then 3 different Lenovo ThinkPad models were rolled out one of which was allegedly specifically designed for the purpose. Each state was given the responsibility of organising the contracts so what was purchased in NSW may not be what WA purchased.

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today i learned there was a united states of austrailia (i always thought it was 1 country/1 government). how many states are there in austrailia (i probably sound like an ignorant united statian).

6 states, 2 internal territories, multiple off shore territories. We aren't a "United States" we are a Commonwealth Each state has its own constitution and laws, the Federal Government is only supposed to have limited powers (defence, imports-exports, immigration, there are more but it is actually quite limited) but the states have over time given up their constitutional responsibilities to the Federal Government.

Now back to our regular topic.

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As stated in the original post, I had no idea that it was against school policy. I have only recently been introduced to Linux, and would like to learn a bit more about how it works.

Thanks for all the answers! I had not heard that you could identify which operating system was being used based on the browser, or that 3g was being integrated into processors. I think that the former of the two is the more likely answer, as the machines are several years old (floppy drives!)

I think that dolphin Oracle's answer fits the closest to what happened. Let me add additional information. If the computer connects to the local network in any way, then it makes itself visible. Most "live" booting systems use DHCP to register on the network. If the local network is based on static IP addresses, then this will distinguish the machine in any server logs. Even if the local network is using DHCP, it is possible that "Legal" operating systems have some sort of client that registers with a central server, i.e. when "virtual machines" are used. If the client does not register with the central server, but the machine is shown to have connected with the network, this is another "red flag" circumstance that can be noted.

Ideally if you want to play anonymously with a school computer, then you will need to ensure that no network connections are made. This will not of course protect you if the teacher is looking at you over your shoulder, or through a one way mirror.

No password on the BIOS? Or did you have to hack your way to it? Or did you yank the CMOS battery for a few m inutes (hard to do in a classroom...)?