# Linux MiniDisc

> Free software for accessing MiniDisc devices

**Wikidata**: [Q121009883](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q121009883)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/linux-minidisc

## Summary
Linux MiniDisc is free software that enables users to access and manage MiniDisc devices on Linux operating systems. It provides tools for transferring audio and data to and from MiniDisc players, extending the functionality of these devices beyond what manufacturers originally supported.

## Key Facts
- Linux MiniDisc is classified as free software, allowing users to run, study, change, and distribute it and modified versions
- The software is available on GitHub under the username "linux-minidisc" with the repository URL https://github.com/linux-minidisc/linux-minidisc
- It has 11 versions released from 2012-11-17 to 2013-05-09, with the last version being 0.9.9
- The software is included in Debian stable as packages named "qhimdtransfer" and "minidisc-utils"
- A FAQ is available at https://wiki.physik.fu-berlin.de/linux-minidisc/faq
- The main project website is hosted at https://wiki.physik.fu-berlin.de/linux-minidisc/
- A mailing list archive is available at https://lists.fu-berlin.de/pipermail/linux-minidisc/

## FAQs
### Q: What is Linux MiniDisc used for?
A: Linux MiniDisc is a free software application designed to enable Linux users to access and manage MiniDisc devices. It allows users to transfer audio and data to and from MiniDisc players, extending their functionality on Linux systems.

### Q: What are the main features of Linux MiniDisc?
A: Linux MiniDisc primarily provides tools for transferring content to MiniDisc devices. It includes utilities such as "qhimdtransfer" and "minidisc-utils" which are included in the Debian stable distribution for this purpose.

### Q: How long has Linux MiniDisc been in development?
A: Linux MiniDisc has been in development since at least 2012, with the first version (0.9.0) released on November 17, 2012, and subsequent versions released through May 9, 2013.

### Q: Where can I get support for Linux MiniDisc?
A: Support is available through the project's mailing list archive at https://lists.fu-berlin.de/pipermail/linux-minidisc/, and additional documentation is available on the project's wiki at https://wiki.physik.fu-berlin.de/linux-minidisc/.

## Why It Matters
Linux MiniDisc addresses a significant compatibility gap for Linux users who own MiniDisc devices, which were primarily designed with Windows and Mac support. Before Linux MiniDisc, Linux enthusiasts faced limited options for utilizing their MiniDisc equipment fully, potentially leaving hardware underutilized or requiring complex workarounds. This project extends the lifespan and functionality of MiniDisc hardware in the Linux ecosystem, promoting digital preservation of audio content and maintaining accessibility for users invested in this technology. By providing free, open-source tools for device interaction, Linux MiniDisc embodies the open-source spirit of enabling hardware compatibility regardless of commercial manufacturer support. The project's inclusion in Debian stable further cements its value as a reliable utility within the broader Linux software landscape, demonstrating how community-driven development can fill gaps in device support for alternative operating systems.

## Notable For
- Being one of the few dedicated free software solutions specifically for MiniDisc device access on Linux systems
- Comprehensive version history with 11 releases in a short period (November 2012 to May 2013), indicating active development and responsiveness to user needs
- Inclusion in Debian stable distribution as dedicated packages "qhimdtransfer" and "minidisc-utils," demonstrating its reliability and utility within the Linux ecosystem
- Hosted by the Physics Department of Freie Universität Berlin, indicating institutional recognition and support

## Body
### Overview
Linux MiniDisc is free software designed for accessing MiniDisc devices on Linux operating systems. It provides users with the ability to transfer audio and data to and from MiniDisc players, extending the functionality of these devices beyond what manufacturers originally supported.

### Development History
The project has undergone 11 versions between November 2012 and May 2013:
- Version 0.9.0 was released on November 17, 2012
- Version 0.9.1 through 0.9.4 were released on November 23, 2012
- Version 0.9.5 was released on November 26, 2012
- Version 0.9.6 was released on December 20, 2012
- Version 0.9.7 was released on April 29, 2013
- Version 0.9.8 was released on May 3, 2013
- Version 0.9.9 was released on May 9, 2013

### Software Distribution
Linux MiniDisc is distributed as free software, allowing users to freely run, study, change, and distribute it and modified versions. The software is available on GitHub under the username "linux-minidisc" with the repository URL https://github.com/linux-minidisc/linux-minidisc.

### Package Availability
The software is included in Debian stable as packages named "qhimdtransfer" and "minidisc-utils," making it easily accessible to Debian users through the official package repositories.

### Documentation and Support
- FAQ: Available at https://wiki.physik.fu-berlin.de/linux-minidisc/faq
- Project website: Hosted at https://wiki.physik.fu-berlin.de/linux-minidisc/
- Mailing list archive: Available at https://lists.fu-berlin.de/pipermail/linux-minidisc/
- Source code repository: Hosted on GitHub at https://github.com/linux-minidisc/linux-minidisc

## References

1. [Release 0.9.0. 2012](https://github.com/linux-minidisc/linux-minidisc/releases/tag/0.9.0)
2. [Release 0.9.1. 2012](https://github.com/linux-minidisc/linux-minidisc/releases/tag/0.9.1)
3. [Release 0.9.2. 2012](https://github.com/linux-minidisc/linux-minidisc/releases/tag/0.9.2)
4. [Release 0.9.3. 2012](https://github.com/linux-minidisc/linux-minidisc/releases/tag/0.9.3)
5. [Release 0.9.4. 2012](https://github.com/linux-minidisc/linux-minidisc/releases/tag/0.9.4)
6. [Release 0.9.5. 2012](https://github.com/linux-minidisc/linux-minidisc/releases/tag/0.9.5)
7. [Release 0.9.6. 2012](https://github.com/linux-minidisc/linux-minidisc/releases/tag/0.9.6)
8. [Release 0.9.7. 2013](https://github.com/linux-minidisc/linux-minidisc/releases/tag/0.9.7)
9. [Release 0.9.8. 2013](https://github.com/linux-minidisc/linux-minidisc/releases/tag/0.9.8)
10. [Release 0.9.9. 2013](https://github.com/linux-minidisc/linux-minidisc/releases/tag/0.9.9)
11. [Release 0.9.10. 2013](https://github.com/linux-minidisc/linux-minidisc/releases/tag/0.9.10)
12. [Release 0.9.11. 2013](https://github.com/linux-minidisc/linux-minidisc/releases/tag/0.9.11)
13. [Release 0.9.12. 2014](https://github.com/linux-minidisc/linux-minidisc/releases/tag/0.9.12)
14. [Release 0.9.13. 2014](https://github.com/linux-minidisc/linux-minidisc/releases/tag/0.9.13)
15. [Release 0.9.14. 2016](https://github.com/linux-minidisc/linux-minidisc/releases/tag/0.9.14)
16. [Release 0.9.15. 2017](https://github.com/linux-minidisc/linux-minidisc/releases/tag/0.9.15)
17. [Release 0.9.16. 2019](https://github.com/linux-minidisc/linux-minidisc/releases/tag/0.9.16)