CD-ROMs

3.2. CD-ROMs

The CD-ROM format is a popular way to deliver typically large software applications and multimedia presentations. Most of the software that can be purchased from retail outlets come in the form of CD-ROMs. This section shows you how to use CD-ROMs on your Red Hat Linux system.

 

By default, Red Hat Linux automatically detects if a CD-ROM is inserted in the CD-ROM device. The disc will then be mounted and your file manager will open a window with the drives contents for you to explore.

 

3.2.1. Using CD-ROMs with Your File Manager

 

By default, CDs are automatically mounted and opens the default file manager for you to explore the contents of the CD. Figure 3-5 shows the contents of a CD-ROM within the Nautilus file manager.

 

Figure 3-5. Contents of a CD-ROM in Nautilus

 

A CD desktop icon will also appear, which you can use to unmount and eject your CD-ROM after use. Right-click on the icon to view all of the available choices. For example, to unmount and eject the CD-ROM, choose Eject from the menu.

 

3.2.2. Using CD-ROMs From a Shell Prompt

You can also manually mount and unmount your CD-ROMs from a shell prompt. Insert a CD into your CD-ROM drive, open a shell prompt and type the following command:

 

mount /mnt/cdrom

 

The CD-ROM should now be mounted and available for use with your file manager. For example, if you are using Konqueror, you can access your CD-ROM by clicking the icon on the desktop and typing /mnt/cdrom in the location bar. Figure 3-6 shows the contents of a CD-ROM displayed in the Konqueror file manager.

 

Figure 3-6. Contents of a CD-ROM in Konqueror

 

After working with your CD, you must unmount it before you eject it from your CD-ROM drive. Close any applications or file managers that are using the CD-ROM and type the following at a shell prompt:

 

umount /mnt/cdrom

 

You can now safely press the eject button on your CD-ROM drive to retrieve your CD.