User manual for webCDcreator

1. Introduction

webCDcreator enables users to copy files from their computer to a CD-Writer attached to another computer in the network. The user arranges the files to be written to the CD with the help of webCDcreator. The CD is then written under the control webCDcreator. webCDcreator allows the CD-Writer to be shared by users in the network.

2. Starting and initiating a connection to the server.

After starting WebCDcreator the main window appears. At the same time, a connectoin to the server is requested. If the request is successful, a window appears showing the verion of the server and other local information.

If the request is not successful, an error message is shown and the program closes. If this happens, try again later. If the problem persists, contact the server administrator.

3. Choice of CD type

WebCDCreator can be used to create a number of different types of CDs:

3.1"Add Files or Folders to a Data CD"

Use this if you have files and folders organised in a structure as you would like to have them on the CD.

3.2 "Write an "ISO 9660 Image"-file"

Use this if you have mastered a CD image with other software and want to write this iso image (usually has an extension of .iso) to a CD so that you can read the contents of the image.

3.3 "Burn an audio CD

This option allows you to burn wave files (*.wav) or MP3s (*.mp3) onto a CD in audio format, allowing you to listen to the music on a CD-player.
Note that WAV files must be in 44.1kHz 16 bit format.

4. Arrange the CD

The webCDcreator main window shows the sources from which files can be copied in the left hand box, and in the box on the right the current description of the target CD image.

4.1 Create a new directory

select the parent directory in the CD description box.
click on
enter the name of the new directory and hit return.

4.2 Add file/directory

select one or more files and/or directories in the sources box.
(tip: use the (shift) or (Control) key when clicking the mouse to select multiple files).
select the target directory in the CD description box.
copy the selected files by clicking on [ > > ].

4.3 Remove file/directory

select one or more files and/or directories in the CD description box.
remove the selected files by clicking on the icon

4.4 Rename file/directory

select the file or directory in the CD description box.
click a second time on the selected file or directory.
enter the new name.

5. Burn the CD

After the description has been created for the CD, the CD can be written.

select the pulldown menu Action and then the menu option burn session.
make any necessary modifications in the options part of the window that pops up and then click on continue >
follow the messages of the program

Important: insert the CD-R after it is requested by the program.

5.1 Explanation of options

The options you choose for the CD can have a big effect on the useability of your CD

5.1.1 Filesystem options

The volume ID is the name of the CD you will see, for example, in Windows Explorer. Please note that if you wish to make a multi-session CD (see below), you must give all of the sessions a Volume ID. Failing to do this will mean that the next session attempt will fail.

For data CDs, webCDcreator will make a standard ISO data CD with the Microsoft Joliet and Unix Rockridge extensions. These extensions allow the use of long file names on CDs for Microsoft and Windows systems respectively.

Joliet Extension
The Joliet extension allows long file names on an ISO CD, but be aware that the longest name permitted is 64 letters plus extension. If files have more than 64 letters in their name before the extension, they will be truncated to 64 letters. If you have 2 files in the same directory whose names are indentical for the first 64 letters with the same extension, you will have an error.
Note, this has happened before!
Rockridge Extension
The Rockridge extension allows long names on CD compatible with Unix systems.
Apple HFS

5.1.2 Writing options

Here you can set the speed at which the CD will be written. Please ensure that the CD you are writing to supports the speed you choose.

You can choose to simulate the write operation, in which case the writer will do everything normal, except with the laser off. This still requires that a writeable CD (preferably the one you are going to write on) be inserted.

5.1.3 Other options

Here you can set a few other options for writing the CD:

Overwrite CD-RW
This will erase a re-writeable CD (CD-RW) before wrinting the data. This will destroy all data currently on the CD. This option requires a CD-RW compatible CD-Writer
Close the CD
This will mean that you can write no more data onto the CD (unless it is a CD-RW, in which case you must choose "Overwrite CD" next time). Some CD-ROM drives (typically pre-1999 drives, normally 24-speed or slower) can only read a CD-ROM correctly if the CD is closed. These CD-ROM drives may also only see one session on a multi-session CD. If you may want to read a CD-ROM on an old drive like this, it is suggested that you write one session only and close it.
Burn Offline
This option will mean that the application will close, and you will get no notification that the CD is ready. You may want to use this option if you will be restarting your machine while the CD is busy.

6. Questions and answers

Can I also create an audio CD (music CD) with webCDcreator?

Yes, just select Audio CD in the first window that appears when the applet starts.

7. Thanks

Thanks go to

Jonathan Buschmann for the first English version of this document
Buchan Milne for the screenshots and updating this document