An ISO image or .ISO file is a computer file that contains the complete contents of a CD or DVD disk. ISO images are often created to back up a CD or DVD and to distribute CDs or DVDs over the Internet. So why do you need to know this?

Most software distributions that are being distributed over the Internet now come in .ISO format. As an example, during the beta testing of Windows Vista, the file was distributed for download in .ISO format, and the user needed to transfer the image to DVD.

So how do I burn the image to CD or DVD?
First you need .ISO burning software. Here is a freebie you can try. Some of the commercial software such as Nero Burning ROM (highly recommended) can also be used.

1. Download the ISO CD image to a folder on your computer.
2. Insert a blank CD in your CD-RW drive.
3. Start Windows Explorer.
4. Locate the ISO file, right-click the file name, and then click Copy image to CD to open the ISO Recorder Wizard.
5. Follow the steps in the wizard to write the image to the CD.

Now you will have the complete program burned on CD. And it will operate just like the software that you purchase at the store. Enjoy!

[tags].iso images, burn to disk, free, cd, dvd[/tags]