Launching DOS apps under Netscape

[Peter C. Gorman]

Hello -

We're doing this now, and are going to expand the process in January to
launch about a hundred CD-ROM titles from our Web. I've written up a
description of the process at:

http://www.library.wisc.edu/help/tech/launch_info.html

The part most folks seem to miss is configuring the *server* to send the
special MIME type. On that subject, Bill Pardue writes:

>3) For the new type dialog box, enter "application" for the mime type
>and "cdx" for the mime subtype.  Hit "OK."
>
>4) Next, enter "cdx" in the file extension box.

If I recall correctly, MIME types and subtypes are supposed to be
registered. The prefix x- is reserved for experimental or locally defined
subtypes. So, it might be better to use a MIME type of application/x-cdx
rather than application/cdx (we use application/x-launch).

The launcher program that we're currently using seems to have disappeared
from its source at Indiana U. I've located another launcher application, at
http://www.library.wisc.edu/help/tech/launch_info.html, and am evaluating
it for future use.

Once you get into the launching business, you may find yourself repeating,
mantra-like, to people "No, this doesn't provide remote access to CD-ROM
products. It only launches applications which are already available to the
client's workstation." Now, repeat after me...


PG
_______________________________
Peter C. Gorman
Automation Help Desk
Memorial Library
University of Wisconsin
pcgorman at facstaff.wisc.edu