  We demonstrate that a knowledge of the density-of-states and the eigenstates
of a random system without gain, in conjunction with the frequency profile of
the gain, can accurately predict the mode that will lase first. Its critical
pumping rate can be also obtained. It is found that the shape of the
wavefunction of the random system remains unchanged as gain is introduced.
These results were obtained by the time-independent transfer matrix method and
finite-difference-time-domain (FDTD) methods. They can be also analytically
understood by generalizing the semi-classical Lamb theory of lasing in random
systems. These findings provide a new path for observing the localization of
light, such as looking for mobility edge and studying the localized states.
%inside the random systems..
