Copyright: Copyright © 2000 by H+H ZfRk - GmbH
Citation: Copyright © 2000 by H+H ZfRk - GmbH


 Introduction

With Virtual CD for Networks, you can store a virtual CD in a central location (on a network server) and have it available to as many workstations as you like—depending, of course, on the terms of your user license!

And of course you can still use local virtual CDs as well. For example, if you have a CD that is required only on one particular workstation, you probably won't bother installing it as a shared resource.

There are a few things you need to know about using virtual CDs in networks before you start. There are also a couple of differences between shared and local virtual CDs. Everything you need to know to get started is contained in the following:

Creating a shared virtual CD

Inserting and ejecting a shared virtual CD

Adding a shared virtual CD

Accessing a shared virtual CD

Working with both local and shared virtual CDs


 Creating a shared virtual CD

The procedure for creating a shared virtual CD is basically the same as for a local virtual CD. The main difference is in the destination path you select when creating the virtual CD with the Image Wizard. Make sure the drive letter you enter is mapped to resources that are accessible through the network.

	It is not possible to use a UNC path as the destination. When creating a virtual CD, you must enter a drive letter.


 Inserting and ejecting a shared virtual CD

This procedure is the same as for inserting and ejecting local virtual CDs. The only difference is that you also have the option of having the virtual CD ejected automatically at the end of a session; i.e., when a user shuts down or logs off of a workstation.

This option is configured on the General page of the Image file properties in the Management program.


Adding a shared virtual CD
 Finding and adding shared virtual CDs

Although you cannot enter a UNC path as the destination when you create a shared virtual CD, there is no problem with using a UNC path to access it. Simply select the desired drive letter or UNC path under Network Neighborhood when you activate the Find or Add function.

	The advantage of using a UNC path is that you don't need to specify a drive letter to access the virtual CD. The disadvantage is that there may be a slight delay in starting the virtual CD the first time the UNC path is used.


 Accessing a shared virtual CD

In order to access virtual CD functions through a network, the required rights must be assigned in the directories where the shared virtual CDs are managed.

The table below shows which rights are necessary in the network resources for the different functions. These do not affect the local virtual CD functions.

Rights	Virtual CD Functions
Read and file scan	• Can access virtual CDs through the network • Cannot create shared virtual CDs
Read, write and file scan	• Full functionality (creating and managing) for working with shared virtual CDs
	Please refer to your network software documentation for detailed information on assigning rights.


 Working with local and shared virtual CDs

Virtual CD for Networks lets you work with both local and shared virtual CDs. For example, local virtual CDs installed on a notebook can be used at any time on that notebook. When the notebook is not connected to the network, however, the shared virtual CDs are "...not accessible", as indicated in the local image view of the Virtual CD Management program.

When the notebook is re-connected to the network, the shared virtual CDs are displayed and can be used.