Your old CDs and DVDs will not last forever.
The only thing you’re free to do is archive the data before they start to degrade.
But dragging data from an optical disc to a PC or laptop is time-consuming.
Creating an image of the disc, however, is a bit faster.
Heres how ISO files can be created from optical discs on all main operating systems.
Why Do you better Create an ISO File?
There are various reasons why you might need to create an ISO file.
For example, you might have a gadget that doesnt reliably support an optical drive.
Alternatively, you might wish to save space by archiving your collection of data CDs and DVDs.
It is not possible to create disk images from media that your optical drive does not support.
After ejecting the disc, check the integrity of the file by mounting the ISO and browsing the contents.
Note that advanced users canuse the Windows ADK to create an ISO filefrom folders on the Windows hard drive.
However, these are saved as DMG files by default.
DMG is a disk image file unique to Macs, and cannot be easily read on other platforms.
Enter the following:
Switch [filename] for the filename you gave the DMG file.
See our guide tocreating ISO-standard disk images on macOSfor more details.
Once the disc stops spinning, you should have an ISO-standard image format of your CD or DVD.
Create an ISO on Linux With Disks
All Linux distros have a disk utility.
These steps demonstrate the use of gnome-disk-utility (known as Disks) to create an ISO from a DVD.
What About Mobile Operating Systems?
Some USB optical drives can be connected to Android phones, tablets, and even TVs and media centers.
With an app like DISC Link Platinum from Hitachi-LG Data Storage, you could potentially pull up the disc.
A third party app, such as ISO Craft, could theoretically create the ISO file.
But… it is all a bit unreliable.
Ive checked, and there are optical devices that can connect usingAndroid USB OTG.
It doesnt matter if you use Windows, macOS, or Linuxthe steps cover every operating system.
Meanwhile, the space taken up by the discs can now be reused.
