The Disc image system is a driver that can mount ISO CD/DVD images into a Microsoft Windows 2000/XP/2003 based system. This gives the impression that a new CD/DVD-ROM drive has been added and a disc has been inserted. The small size of the driver and its simple operation allow an integration which is similar to actually using CD/DVD-ROM hardware, but as the drive is virtual, there is no hardware noise or lag. It is even possible to mount as many images as there are available drive letters.
The Disc image system can mount ISO images that contain either ISO9660 or Joliet (or both) file systems, which on a Windows 2000/XP/2003 based system allows nearly all ISO images to be mounted. It will not allow images to be mounted if Windows does not read that type of file system e.g. HFS+.
For single users the Disc image system allows you to store frequently used CD/DVD images so they can be accessed quickly and quietly (no more loud whirring noises). It will also eliminate the need to have a disc left in the CD/DVD drive when running applications that require access to the disc. When using on a laptop, it allows better use of the battery as CD/DVD drives require a large amount of power, especially when the drive is running continuously.
When you create ISO disc images with products such as Nero, the created images can be mounted using the Disc image system, allowing them to be tested before being burned to discs, thus reducing disc wastage.
For networks that require a secure central location, or just want to store images in an easy to reach place, the Disc image system will allow those images to be mounted locally. This in turn protects certain images from unauthorised use and allows software stored on servers to be installed without finding the installation CD/DVD(s). There is no need for special server software as the small driver is installed on each of the targets. As the Disc image system works with the ISO standard, it gives you the opportunity to store images that can be accessed by other operating systems, such as Apple Macintosh OS X and Unix as they already have the built-in ability to mount ISO images.
