[Shu-cdromlan] On Farstone

[Scott Davis]

It seems like a lot of people on this list use the following method to
network their CDs: They simply load their CDs on a general-use server. This
method is inexpensive, unless you need to buy a server to perform the task,
but has the following drawbacks:

1. The server can be come overburdened and slow at this task and all others.
2. You may need a bigger hard drive.
3. Administrative time to maintain CDs. In many institutions, only IS can
touch the server, and they are too busy fighting fires to update discs.
4. Many CDs are not compatible with this method, due to intentional design to
prevent piracy, license violations or other reasons.

Farstone Virtual CD is a way around some of problem #4, but creates problems
in its own right:

1. Known problems with Novell and CD-Recorders. See their website.
2. Since each CD requires a drive letter, no more than 23 are possible, less
if the server or workstation has more than the minimum number of actual
devices.
3. Possible incompatibility with server or network or other software that
could create systemic problems with the network.
4. Expensive with a lot of seats.

Still, if you only had a few CDs and a few users, it would seem worth a try
vs. the expense of hardware. You could also just try to load CDs on your
server raw. Perhaps these software packages have a place at the low end of
the market.

We gave up recommending piecemeal solutions three years ago because of
installation and compatibility problems. Their cheap price was more than
offset by the expense of technician time to get the software up and running.
Maybe this software is better. Maybe the field has improved.

Beginning somewhere around 7 CDs and 20 users, separate hardware in the form
of a caching CD server becomes attractive for these reasons:

1. The main server is then unburdened.
2. The computing job is spread out, and so is the risk.
3. The integration of hardware and software is pre-selected for
compatibility.
4. No extra seat expense. The software generally comes with a license for
hundreds of users.
5. No station software to load or maintain on each workstation.
6. Drive letter problems are eliminated through UNC paths.
7. Updating done by librarian, or other non-IS staff; easy to use.

Prices have come down for caching CD servers to where they may be considered
for smaller needs than previously.

Scott Davis
Academy Computer Services, Inc.
www.SchoolHardware.com
800-385-6442