Data CD Jukebox

Student: Brad Curtis

Supervisor: Richard Cocks

Category: Engineering Thesis Project - Computer Systems

The Data CD Jukebox is a network appliance which shares data CDs to computer users on a local network. This device is used to streamline access to the contents of a large number of data CDs within a business or any other environment where CD usage is common. The simplicity of this design makes the device suitable for customers who are unwilling to pay for pre-existing CD repository solutions.

The benefits of the Data CD Jukebox over conventional CD access are as follows:
• Space efficient
• CDs are easy to locate through intelligent indexing
• CDs cannot be damaged through normal use
• A single CD is available to more than just one person
• Users can load more than one CD at a time (not limited by computer system)
• Network access allows for easy usage across large offices/remote locations

A “data CD” is defined as any disc that stores information which can be read by a computer. These discs may hold price-lists, trade journals, data backups and software programs. The user sends copies of any physical data CDs to the Data CD Jukebox through a standard web browser. These copies are called virtual CDs and can be loaded onto any network attached computer through the same web interface. The virtual CDs are complete replacements for their physical counterparts.

The solution presented at this expo utilises the Linux operating system running on a PC platform with hard-disk and network capabilities. Both custom software written in C/Visual Basic and open source applications were used to fulfil the project objectives.

The Data CD Jukebox is an easy to use, fully functional device which is ready for general use. It will be of benefit to any environment where ready access to a moderate to large number of CDs is required.

Thesis Document (PDF)