University Systems --> WAM --> Page Has Been Retired --> Accessing the CD-ROM Drives on UNIX/Linux Stations -->

Accessing the CD-ROM Drives on UNIX/Linux Stations


CD-ROM Drive

The UNIX/Linux workstations that are in the labs are equipped with a CD-ROM drive along with the floppy drive. The CD-ROM does not use a caddy similar to that of the Macintosh, but instead ejects a tray onto which you may insert a CD. The tray is made of plastic, not steel, so be careful not to press down on the tray or lean on it in any way when inserting a CD. This may damage the tray. The CD-ROM drive operates and is treated almost the same as the floppy drive with a few exceptions that you need to be aware of.
 

Mounting A CD-ROM

As opposed to mounting a floppy disk automatically, the UNIX/Linux machine has no problem automatically mounting a CD-ROM. If by chance it does not mount a CD automatically, you may do so by first mounting the CD manually. To mount a CD, insert it into the drive, open a console window and at the command prompt, type:

/usr/bin/volcheck

After the command executes, there should be a directory corresponding to the disk's title in "/floppy." You may then treat the disk as you treat any UNIX directory.

Note: It is not necessary to run volcheck for audio CD's.
 

Ejecting A CD-ROM From A Drive

You should not have to issue an eject command as the UNIX/Linux machine provides a button on the drive which activates the eject mechanism. This button is located in the upper right hand corner of the CD-ROM drive. The CD-ROM drive is located on the right hand side of the machine. If by chance this button is inoperable, you may also eject the CD-ROM by using the command:

eject cdrom

Upon an attempt to eject a CD, you may receive the message:

    /vol/dev/rcdrom0/xxxx: Device busy

in which case you are probably using the CD-ROM or residing in the directory "/cdrom". Change to a different directory and try re-issuing the command.
 

What To Do If Your Removable Media Isn't Removable

If you an encounter problems ejecting the CD from the CD-ROM drive, there is most likely a problem with the internal mechanism of the drive. Please contact the OIT Help Desk.

How do I:
How are we doing? Comments on this page?
Office of Information Technology
Office of Information Technology Help Desk Web Site University of Maryland Web Site Office of Information Technology Web Site