Networking of CD‐ROMs

Discusses CD‐ROM as a provider of multiple, simultaneous and remote access to a large amount of information such as abstracts, full text, directories, education materials, music, etc. Presents a number of options that are available to increase access to a CD‐ROM collection and commonly used CD‐ROM networks under LANs, viz., peer‐to‐peer, file servers, client/server and optical servers. Also discusses selection of hardware and software for successful networking. Concludes that careful study of the pros and cons of establishing a CD‐ROM network has to be weighed in terms of cost and usage.