This CD is intended to help you explore the concepts discussed in the book. You will find sample images, video and audio clips, and a range of applications to allow experimentation with different types of compression. Most (but not all) of the applications are available in some form on the Internet; in these cases I also supply a link in the "ReadMe" file in the appropriate directory. If you like the application, the link will take you to the download area where you may find a later version.
Please do look at the "ReadMe" file in each directory of interest. At a minimum there will be a few words of explanation about the directory contents, and acknowledgement of the source. Sometimes there will be important information that you need to know before using or installing the contents. There will also be information about the functionality and/or licensing of the content. I have included only content that I believe can be useful in the form supplied, at least for education or experiment, but there are many variations and it is important to understand what is supplied.
Many of the ReadMe files you will reach include a link to install an application. This link works just as if you had accessed the application on a web site. Internet Explorer will give you choice to "Run this program from its current location" or "Save this program to disk". Sometimes you may use either option, but if the installer wants to create files in the install directory it will find this difficult on the CD. It is probably safer to use the "Save this program to disk" option, just as if you were downloading from the Internet.
Some of the applications are freeware. In most cases you are entitled to use the application without time limit, but even with freeware there are often some licensing and copyright restrictions that you must observe. Also, I strongly advocate (courteous) feedback to the author of such programs. Recognition of their work will encourage them to offer more of their talent in the future!
Some of the applications are shareware. Often the program is not time-limited, and may be fully functional. However, a condition of use is that if you intend to use the program beyond an initial trial period, you are obliged to pay a fee (usually small) to the owner. Some state that you must use the software for evaluation only, and that any productive work without payment of the registration fee is a violation of the license terms. Others are more generous, but all require that you register if you intend to continue using the software after some initial period. Much shareware is first-class software, provided on the honor system. Your observance of the conditions will help to keep this form of distribution viable, as well as being fair to the authors.
Finally, some of the programs are trial or demo versions of commercially available applications. The application may be fully functioned, but operate only for 10, 15, or 30 days from installation. In other cases the functionality may be sufficient only to demonstrate the capabilities of the software. The trial version may not permit saving the final result, or perhaps it will encode only a few seconds of material, or a limited number of images. Others will embed a caption or watermark in the output. I'll try to explain the restrictions in the "ReadMe" file, or refer you to a file provided by the owner. Again, I have selected only those demo programs that I think are useful as they stand for education and demonstration. Some of the applications are expensive, intended for businesses; others are available in the full version for a few tens of dollars.
Please do read and observe the license and copyright terms of everything on this CD. Do not share the images, clips or applications with anyone else, or use them for anything other than self-education or experiment, unless the information accompanying specifically authorizes this.