ISO file decompression?

[inquiring]

Hello...what is an ISO file and what utility would I use to decompress it? Why is an ISO file compression used instead of say a ZIP file? Are there any advantages to ISO file compression?

Thank you.

 

[Toejam31]

ISO 9660 is a file format for CD-ROMs. It does not use compression. An ISO file is an image copy of an ISO volume (its directory and files). An ISO file may be (and is frequently) compressed into a self-extracting .EXE file; however, that compression is completely separate from the ISO standard.

Think of it as a disk image for CD's.

Applications like WinZIP or WinRAR can extract ISO files, as well as programs like <A HREF="http://www.smart-projects.net/isobuster/" target="_new">ISOBuster</A>.

The advantage is that most CD burning programs can burn an ISO image directly, without extracting the individual files. Why is this a good thing? Because ISO images can create bootable CD's, whereas burning the individual files will not, (without extra, manual steps).

You might find this link useful:

<A HREF="http://www.experts-exchange.com/Applications/Q_20410434.html" target="_new">Title: ISO files</A>

Toey

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