Author: Brady Gavin / Source: howtogeek.com
An ISO file (often called an ISO image), is an archive file that contains an identical copy (or image) of data found on an optical disc, like a CD or DVD. They are often used for backing up optical discs, or for distributing large file sets that are intended to burned to an optical disc.
What is an ISO Image?
The name ISO was taken from the name of the file system used by optical media, which is usually ISO 9660. You can think of an ISO image as a complete copy of everything stored on a physical optical disc like CD, DVD, or Blu-ray disc—including the file system itself. They are a sector-by-sector copy of the disc, and no compression is used. The idea behind ISO images is that you can archive an exact digital copy of a disc, and then later use that image to burn a new disc that’s in turn an exact copy of the original. Most operating systems (and many utilities) also allow you to mount an ISO image as a virtual disc, in which case all your apps treat it as if a real optical disc were inserted.
While many people do use ISO images for creating backups of their optical disc, ISO images these days are used primarily for distributing large programs and operating systems, because it allows all the files to be contained in one easily downloadable file. People can then decide whether they want to mount that image or use it to burn an optical disc.
Most downloadable operating systems, including Windows and various Linux distros are distributed as ISO images. This comes in handy when downloading the current version of Ubuntu to install on your machine or installing that old game disc on a laptop without a physical drive.
RELATED: Where to Download Windows 10, 8.1, and 7 ISOs Legally
How To Mount An ISO Image
Mounting an ISO image allows you to mount the ISO image in a virtual optical disc drive. All your apps will treat the image as though it were an actual physical disc.
Windows 8, 8.1, and 10 all let you mount an ISO image without any third-party software. Just select the image in File Explorer, and then head to Manage > Mount.
If you have Windows 7 (or previous), you’ll need a third-party app like the free, open-source, and simple WinCDEmu utility.
RELATED: How to Mount ISOs and Other Disc Images on Windows, Mac, and Linux
How To Burn An ISO Image To Disc
Burning an ISO to a physical disc comes in handy when you want to create a disc that you’ll use to install the software or OS onto another machine. It’s particularly useful when you’re installing an operating system (or creating a utility disc) and need to use that disc to boot a system. It can also be handy for creating a physical backup…
The post What Is An ISO File (And How Do I Use Them)? appeared first on FeedBox.