what file is iso

An ISO file (often called an ISO image) is an archive file that contains an identical copy of the data (or image) found on an optical disc, such as a CD or DVD. They are often used for backup discs, or for distributing large sets of files intended to be burned to disc.

What is an ISO image? What is an iso file?

ISO takes its name from the name of the file system used by optical media, usually ISO 9660. You can think of an ISO image as a complete set of everything stored on a physical disc, such as a CD, DVD, or Blu copy. Disc - including the file system itself. They are sector-by-sector copies of the disc and do not use compression.

The idea behind ISO images is that you can archive an exact digital copy of a disc and then use that image to burn a new disc, which in turn is an exact copy of the original disc. Most operating systems (and many utilities) also allow you to mount an ISO image as a virtual disc, in which case all your applications will treat it as if a real disc was inserted.

While many people do use ISO images to create their disc backups, currently ISO images are primarily used for distributing large programs and operating systems because it allows all files to be contained in one easily downloadable file. One can then decide whether they want to install the image or use it to burn a disc.

Most downloadable operating systems, including Windows and various Linux distributions, are distributed as ISO images. This is very convenient when downloading a current version of Ubuntu to install on your computer or when installing an old game disc on a laptop that doesn't have a physical drive.

This article is a detailed introduction to what kind of ISO file it is. I hope it will be helpful to friends in need!

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