Iso is one of the most common formats on the Internet today. Files of this kind have a lot of applications, and therefore every second user and every first lover of computer games should be able to use them.
ISO is most widely used on torrent trackers and file sharing services as a kind of archive. However, it would be wrong to work with the program through WinRar, because the local "archive" is something more. This is a virtual disk image.
It is logical that in order to read a virtual disk, you need a virtual drive. The function of such is performed by many programs of a very different kind: the simplest of them can be considered Daemon Tools (its use is preferable on Windows XP). This software is designed for gamers (computer game players), and therefore specializes simply in reading files. More advanced users who may want to create virtual images themselves will need UltraISO (it is better to use it on Windows 7) or MagicDisc. If you want to create an image by reading it from an existing media, then Nero or Alcohol 120% will come in handy.
So, after installing one of the above programs, you will notice some change in the "My Computer" folder: a new floppy drive will appear. This will be your virtual drive. By clicking on it with the right mouse button, select "mount image" and find the file you need. As soon as the process is processed, you will be able to work with this drive, as with any physical one (in particular, the autorun function will work). However, you will not be able to write data to such a disk - it should be done with the help of software.
The.iso format is especially convenient for recording blanks. This is done with the help of Nero (as the most stable program): after opening the subroutine for recording, simply "drag" the disk image into the working field, and then it will be fully written to the CD. In this case, the disk will no longer be recognized as an ordinary "blank", but will take on all the properties of the media purchased in the store (the PC will be perceived in the same way). This is important if you want to protect your licensed CD from being overwritten by replacing it with a safe copy.
