To access a data CD on a linux workstation, insert the CD and type the command:

mount /media/cdrom

or

mount /media/cdrecorder

depending on whether your workstation is fitted with a CD-ROM or CD burning drive.

The CD contents will then be accessible under that directory name. When finished, you should dismount the device (eg “umount /media/cdrom”) before removing it.

You can also use hot-plugged firewire or USB storage devices. The device should mount automatically, placing an icon for the device on the desktop and opening a listing of the files on the device. This also adds a corresponding entry under /media with a name based on the label of the media.

Note, however, that on our newer Linux installs running SL5 this will only happen when running under a graphical environment. For devices to be automatically mounted while at the console, start the “gnome-volume-manager”:

 gnome-volume-manager --sm-disable

This forks by itself into the background and will now mount devices into /media for you.

When finished, you should dismount the device prior to removing it by either right clicking on the desktop icon or using the File menu of its file listing, and then selecting Unmount.

For CD/DVD burning, we recommend using cdrecord for basic burning of ISO images, or k3b for more advanced use.