In Linux, you can manipulate filesystem mounts in runtime. This is useful for mounting removeable storage such as CDROM and floppy. Note that you must unmount a filesystem before ejecting the removable media, or data loss will occur.
The current status of mounts is kept in /etc/mtab and /proc/mounts, and can be seen by running mount with no parameters. The format of these files is similar to /etc/fstab.
To mount a filesystem in /etc/fstab type (as root): mount mountpoint. To unmount, type umount mountpoint. For example to access the CD-ROM:
[root@localhost alon]# mount /mnt/cdrom # Mount the CD-ROM and lock the drive
[root@localhost alon]# ls /mnt/cdrom # List files on CD-ROM
Mandrake/
[root@localhost alon]# umount /mnt/cdrom # Unmount CD-ROM (drive unlocked)
[root@localhost alon]# eject /mnt/cdrom # Open CD-ROM tray