Packet-writing software

Article Abstract:

Adaptec's DirectCD 2.0 and CeQuadrat's PacketCD 2.0 packet-writing software applications simplify CD recording by masking the mastering software with a packet-writing technique. Packet-writing allows users to record files in batches, usually by placing them on a drive's desktop icon. Adaptec's DirectCD improves upon earlier versions by offering fixed-packet writing capabilities. This allows users to record files by dropping them on the disc and erase files by simply dragging items to the desktop recycle bin. CeQuadrat's PacketCD 2.0 is not yet available in the US, but a beta version highlighted some of its capabilities. PacketCD allows users to format CD-R's as a fixed packet, as a disc mastering or as a variable packet disc. Variable packet formatting eliminates the ability to randomly erase files, but makes the disc ready to use within 15 seconds.

Product description/specification, Design and construction, Adaptec Inc., CD-ROM mastering software, CeQuadrat, DirectCD 2.0 (CD-ROM mastering software), PacketCD 2.0 (CD-ROM mastering software)

---

Rewriting simply a drag

Article Abstract:

HP's $610 7110e, Philips OmniWriter 20/40 and Yamaha's CRW 4001 CD-Rewritable drives were deemed the best out of the 7 reviewed products. HP's 7110e was the only drive to work with Adaptec's DirectCD 2.0 and is a must-buy for users planning to connect to random computers that might not have SCSI cards. Philips $599 OmniWriter 20/40 is a flexible offering that allows users to use either SCSI or parallel connectors, though it has a poorly designed exterior case. Yamaha's $549 CRW 4001 system was the only drive to operate with a beta version of PacketCD, though the instability of the PacketCD software limited testing. The CRW can write CD-Rs at 4X speed, which is useful for disc authoring, and includes a generous 2MB buffer.

Computer Storage Device Manufacturing, Computer storage devices, Drum Memories, Hewlett-Packard Co., HWP, Hardware multiproduct review, Optical disk drives, CD-recordable drive, CD-R drives, CD-RW drives, Yamaha Corp., Philips AG, Yamaha CRW4001 (CD-recordable drive), Philips OMNIwriter 20/40 (CD-recordable drive), HP 7110e (CD-recordable drive)

---

Rivals for Web designers

Article Abstract:

Adobe Systems' ImageReady and Macromedia's Fireworks, both $299, are excellent image editing programs designed specifically for Web designers. Each one could be used alone for light Web-design tasks but for complex Web programming jobs, most graphics artists will want to use them as supplement to a full-featured image editing program and a dedicated illustration software. Of the two, Fireworks is better for such Web-specific functions as image mapping and JavaScript rollover buttons; for Photoshop users, it could be cost-effective as a supplementary program. ImageReady on the other hand is better for actual image editing and will be adequate as an entry-level Photoshop for novice Web designers.

Software Publishers, Energy Mgmt Software Pkgs (Micro), Adobe Systems Inc., ADBE, Software multiproduct review, Web authoring software, Macromedia Inc. (San Francisco, California), MACR, Image processing software, Internet server software, Adobe ImageReady (Image processing software), Fireworks (Animation software)

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Doing your homework. Keeping IT simple. Who really won the PC warranty wars?
• Abstracts: Insurance industry handles road warriors. BayStone targets implementation pricing
• Abstracts: Discreet Logic Lightscape 3.1 (3D animation software) (Software Review)(Evaluation) Dynamic and interactive Web servers

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.