Mac
Force eject CD: inside terminal: drutil tray eject 1
Start python web-server: python -m SimpleHTTPServer
Linux
To prevent your laptop from hibernation while lid is closed
Stop screen going blank: BLANK_TIME=0 and set POWERDOWN_TIME=0 (see: /etc/kbd/config)
In a terminal (Applications-->Accessories-->Terminal), type: gconf-editor
Navigate to apps-->gnome-power-manager-->buttons and set lid_ac and/or lid_battery to "nothing" (without the quotes).