.iso file extension ? An Introduction
.iso files are Disc Image Files and the format ISO is a common CD or DVD disc image format that is based on the ISO-9660 standard published by International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
.iso files are Disk Files and their Mime type is application/octet-stream.
Purpose of .iso files
.iso files are used for making copies of DVDs and CDs and for the distribution of DVD and CD-based media over the Internet. When you use .iso files to download DVD and CD-based media over the Internet, the exact disc image is transferred as one file and retains any additional disc attributes.
.iso files contain complete information stored on the original CD or DVD, including file system information, all the file attributes, complete information regarding boot code, and directory structures. Or in other words, every bit of data is copied from the disc.
How to open .iso files
If you use Windows, you may use any of the following programs to open an .iso file:
- 7-zip
- WinISO
- Roxio Creator 2010
- Alcohol 120%
- DAEMON Tools
- SlySoft Virtual CloneDrive
- PowerISO
- ISOBuster
- WinMount International WinMount
- Corel WinZip
- Gilles Vollant WinImage
- WinRAR
If you use a Mac operating system, you may use any of the following programs to open an .iso file:
- Apple Disk Utility
- Mac OS X Finder
- Parallel Desktop 5 for Mac
- Roxio Toast 10 Titanium
If you use Linux, you may use the following program to open an .iso file:
- dd
Can .iso files be converted to different formats, such as the MDF file format?
Yes, you can convert .iso files to different formats using a file converter program.
Name of other file types using the .iso file extension
The following file types are also recorded as using the .iso file extension
- Cimagraphi CAD File
- RichWin File
- Microsoft Virtual PC Virtual CD-ROM Image
- LoseThos CD-ROM Image
- InstallShield Uninstall File
- CALS ISO 8613 Bitmap Graphics File
- Easy CD Creator Disc Image
- Sega CD Game File
- Sony Playstation Game Image
In case you are unable to open an .iso file using the programs installed on your Windows computer, then you may use FileCure which is a popular file repair software that allows Windows users to easily open different file types, including .iso files.