What are ISO Files?
ISO files are usually used to distribute CDs and DVDs in a more convenient way. For example, downloading a larger collection of files over the internet meant to be burned on an optical media and installed on the computer may be done easier by simply downloading a single file and then automatically restore the original contents by burning it.
Usually the extension of an image file will be .iso, but there are other formats created by different CD/DVD burners or disk imaging software. Applications designed to manage, create and extract image files should be able to support most of them.
Disk imaging applications need to be easy to use, fast, effective, and preferably offer more options such as making bootable disks from the image archives, on-demand editing and recording onto the storage media.
Acronis True Image ($49.99) is considered as one of the best imaging applications on the market. It is capable of handling many different file systems, disk image formats and it can also perform all of the actions mentioned above, plus much more.
How to Create ISO Files
In order to create an image file, you will either need a dedicated application or a higher quality media burning tool such as Nero Burning Room.
WinISO is able to convert, edit and manage most of the disk imaging formats. It also has the ability to make ISO files from the CD/DVD-ROM, and directly edit the contents of the image archive. WinISO costs $30.
Another good tool is MagicISO ($29.95). You can download it as a shareware application (spyware free) and use it to burn image files, edit and convert them. The free version of the application allows you to work with image files of up to 300 MB in size. The paid version can handle DVD images up to 10 GB.
Virtual Image Drives
Virtual image drive applications are able to mount ISO files and mimic CDs/DVDs. They can allow users to use the ISO file as if it was an actual CD/DVD. Users can store open source applications such as Open Office on their computers and simply mount the file whenever the installation is required.
A virtual drive will appear on the user's computer in the same way that a real one would. It will show up as an additional optical drive with a dedicated letter even though the mounted ISO file is located somewhere else on the hard drive. This is what "mounting" refers to.
MagicDisc is a freeware virtual CD/DVD-ROM application. Made by the makers of MagicISO, it is provided completely free of charge. The installation is quick and easy. It can compress or decompress ISO files, and even create them from the CD-ROM.
Acquiring the Tools
Before you actually buy a disk imaging application, you will need to make sure that it has a good track record behind it, and a lot of positive user reviews. The company must offer first class support to it's users.
Companies that do not threat their users well are not worth your money. This is probably true for their products as well.