This abstract describes the experience of CIFOR and its partners with a pilot project on the production and publication of a Compact Disc-Read Only Memory (CD-ROM).
Background: One key element in the mandate of CIFOR s Programme on Research Support and Information Services is the improvement of access to and dissemination of selected technical journals in developing countries. The maximum use of electronic information systems will help to achieve this goal. The use of CD-ROM technology as the electronic storage medium allows high storage capacity, good durability and data safety, as well as easy transportability at a relatively low cost. Recent price reductions in recordable CD-ROM (CD-R) drives and the increasing user-friendliness in the CD-R software packages have led to a considerable expansion in the use of this technology. A pilot project was established in co-operation with the Forestry Research Institute of Malaysia to publish the "Malaysian Forester" on CD-ROM. It was designed as the first step towards a comprehensive partnership programme by CIFOR in the area of electronic publishing.
Premastering of CD-ROM: This paper discusses the selection of a CD-R drive with its most important characteristics such as setup, recording speed, and features. It also describes the configuration of the hardware. One of the most crucial parts of the production setup is the CD-R software. Most of the available packages have easy-to-use interfaces that facilitate fast data processing. Key software elements include installation setup, utilities for optimization of the data layout for performance, compliance with the ISO-9660 standard: 1988 standard for CD-ROM programming extensions, write structuring of the files, and facilities for CD-ROM virtualization.
Keywords: CD-ROM, electronic publishing, Malaysia, dissemination.
Correspondence: Michael Ibach, Research Support and Information Services, Center for International Forestry Research, P.O.Box 6596, JKPWB Jakarta 10065, Indonesia
Telefax: +62-251-326433
E-mail: m.ibach@cgnet.com