Newsgroups: alt.cd-rom Subject: Single-Use CDs on a Network From: dr#d#.mike@mom-3.com (Dr. Mike) Path: cdrom.com!barrnet.net!sgiblab!sgigate.sgi.com!olivea!uunet!iat.holonet.net!mom-3!dr#d#.mike Distribution: world Message-ID: References: Date: Sat, 19 Mar 94 09:21:00 +0600 Organization: The MOTHERBOARD III - 409-441-2939 Lines: 35 -> Message-ID: -> Newsgroup: comp.sys.novell,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.networking -> comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.cd-rom,alt.cd-rom -> Organization: Texas Instruments, Inc. -> -> We are putting a stack of CD-ROM drives in a local library, probably -> using Toshiba 3401 Drives and SCSI Express. I would like to have -> centralized control -> of the CD-ROMs on the network, even if they are standalone -> workstation versions -> (Some CD-ROMS don't come in network versions). What happens if I put -> one of these on a network and then authorize the use to a single -> workstation. I realize that the license agreement may not allow -> this, but I would at least be following the spirit of the law. It -> seems that if only 1 workstation had access, this would prevent file -> request collisions. Has anybody tried it? Keith, it is a simple problem to have the system copy the selected file to a local HD prior to starting the D/L, thus avoiding the problem of request collisions. You may have some users experience a short delay, when requesting a file from the CD, but this should only be a few seconds. I run a single CD-ROM drive under PCBoard 15.0, on a single system using DesqView, and supporting 3 on-line nodes. My users see a delay of aprox 15-25 seconds (worst case) if two users request files from the CD at aprox the same time. This is accomplished with a little BAT file "magic", and could use a RAM Drive instead of a local HD, to make it even faster. Hope you find this suggestion helpful. If you would like details, reply via E-mail, to me personally. I would be glad to help. Dr. Mike SYSOP...The MOTHERBOARD Conroe, Texas BBS- (409)441-5230 Voice- (409)539-2938