If you’re a fan of acronyms, (and who isn’t), I’m sure you can tell me what ISO stands for. If you’re not sure, I’ll give you a few seconds to come up with your answer. Got it? ISO typically stands for “In Search Of”. I know, the title of this post gave it away. In the world of technology, however, an ISO file is an archive of what’s on an optical disc, typically a CD or DVD. Why is it important to know about ISO files? I’m glad you asked. Often, when purchasing software, you’re given the option of buying a physical disc, or downloading the software instead. For example, if you’re looking to upgrade your computer to Windows 10, and you bought an electronic download of the operating system, the file would be delivered to you as an ISO file. In order to use the ISO file and install Windows 10, you’d need to burn it to a DVD that could then be inserted into the desired computer to launch the installation. Sounds simple, right? It is, but ISO files come with their own set of rules. We’ll tell you all you’ll need to know.
Because an ISO file contains every part of the disc it’s copied from, including the geometry of the disc, it’s not enough to burn the disc in the same way that you would the pictures of last year’s summer vacation. An ISO file is a copy of the entirety of a disc, and not just a series of files. As such, special software is required to ensure that the disc is burned properly, and that the computer can boot to the disc when the computer is started. The good news is, free programs are readily available. If you’re a Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 10 user (and I hope you are at this point), the news is even better, as your computer arrived pre-installed with a program capable of handling the job. To get started, insert a blank disc. Options include CD, DVD, or (if the burner is compatible), a Blu-ray disc. Next, navigate to the folder on the computer that the ISO file was downloaded to (popular locations include “Downloads” or “Desktop”), and right-click on it. Select, “Burn disc image” to launch the Windows Disc Image Burner window. Choose the correct drive letter for your optical drive (typically it’s D), and click “Burn”. As you’d expect, the length of time it will take to burn the disc depends on how large the file is, so sit back and relax. The disc will eject when the disc is completed.
If you’re not on a modern version of Windows, or if you’d like a program with some different options, give the appropriately named, “Free ISO Burner” a shot. Free ISO Burner is Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10 compatible. Click here to download the program. One benefit to Free ISO Burner is that the program doesn’t actually get installed on your computer. It’s an “on demand” program that only runs when you want it to. Other free ISO burning options include: CDBurnerXP, ImgBurn, and Active ISO Burner. Paid suites that include disc image burning software are offered by Roxio and Nero.
In my line of work, I deal with disc images constantly. Many malware remediation programs are only able to be launched as the computer boots. ISO files are the method of choice for delivering such programs. As mentioned earlier, operating systems are popular ISOs as well. When In Search Of what you’re looking for, don’t neglect ISO files!