Need some coding help

Hi everybody!

Haven't been around for a while because I've been busy bringing a personal project to a close. I've finally finished an Ebook that I'm getting ready for market on CD. Anyhow, I know a lot of you guys are guru's when it comes to computer stuff, so I thought I'd throw out a few questions in the hope that some of you guys could answer them or, maybe point me somewhere to where I CAN find the answers to these minor things. Anyhow, here goes...

1/ I can burn my PDF onto a disc, thats all good. But does anyone know what I would need to do to make the PDF auto open when you insert the disc?

2/ I would like to change the graphic icon of the PDF on the disc to the one I made. How would I do this?

3/ You need at least adobe7 to read it. Would Adobe mind if I burned a version of their 'free' read software alongside my Ebook onto my product disc for the customer?

anyhow, just thought I'd be lazy and see if anyone could help me out with this before i actually had to do any work myself and go looking Any help would be much appreciated. Cheers!


Mr D

Actually, it's quite easy to get an adobe reader redistribution license! I've sorted that one out

1) From memory you just create a file autorun.inf:

Quote :

[autorun]
open=YourPDF.pdf
icon=YourIcon.ico

Only thing is I'm not 100% that "open=" is the correct command for viewing a pdf. Usually you'd be pointing it to something like a .exe file, that runs itself. But I think its correct... easy enough to test if you've got a spare cd.

edit: Actually, quick research shows maybe "shellexecute=" is the better choice. Then it will consult Windows' file associations to find the correct program to open the file with.

2) Changing the icon of an actual pdf file you might have a bit of trouble with, because the icons are usually set by the reader program. I cant think how to do it off the top of my head.
But the "icon=" above can set the icon for the entire CD to that icon. The other simple option is to put the pdf in a sub-folder and have a shortcut to it in the root folder. Changing the shortcut's icon is as simple as Right Click->Properties->Shortcut Tab->Change Icon. Just remember to put the icon on the disc as well and have the path pointing to that file.

cheers for that Caff! Am going to have a tinker with it

ah, your a legend Caff

Got it to work!

[autorun]
shellexecute=(myPDF)

...in a notepad text file named "autorun.inf" burned onto the disc with my PDF got it to open on CD insert. many thanks

I forgot about this thread!


http://www.joesbuyonline.com

Noice work....!

Some things to consider..

What does a user do when it doesn't auto run?
What about when disc is put into a Mac (bleh bad taste, must go wash mouth)
Have you thought about credit card sized CDs, with your details and books details on them printable side.
Do you have a help file on disk, do you need one.
Is pdf secured to prevent other ripping stuff easy, unless you want them to do so?
Have you updated the embedded meta data in the pdf to ensure your details etc, version are captured?


Cheers

Ken

Quote :

What does a user do when it doesn't auto run?

Intructions clearly marked on the jewel case should such a situation present itself

Quote :

What about when disc is put into a Mac (bleh bad taste, must go wash mouth)

It does a 5 second countdown and then detonates.

Quote :

Have you thought about credit card sized CDs, with your details and books details on them printable side.

Not really, ive got all that art on the larger disc and the jewel case inlays. Proffesionally printed and burned by... http://www.mediamovers.com.au/cd?referral=adwords&kw=Cd_Printing_only&gclid=CMOvk8eO150CFc0vpAodgBRssA
...so its got that glossy 'music cd' quality finish with the inlays and on the actual disc. Didnt want a smaller disc, felt it was a good idea to have the larger disc so the consumer is happy to part with more money for it lol.

Quote :

Do you have a help file on disk, do you need one.

yes, on the disc and in the front cover inlay book for those in a pickle.

Quote :

Is pdf secured to prevent other ripping stuff easy, unless you want them to do so?

To get it write protected, you need a certain batch size and its extra for the printers to do it. Didn't feel the need for it as ive only run off a few for a 'pilot' trial. But yeah, the pdf is secured but don't hold much stock in that with crackers and what have you these days.

Quote :

Have you updated the embedded meta data in the pdf to ensure your details etc, version are captured?

I think so lol.


The problem I do have is marketing. I don't want to do pay per click but i want to 'get it out there' so to speak. Still working on that part.

I could probably help with marketing, need to know more about what it is, who is aimed at etc.

PM me if you like, but I am away this weekend and then back to work for 6 days, so my response may not be speedy.