Turn .ISO Files into DVDs/CDs with ImgBurn

Photo by: Ghirigori Baumann

An .ISO file is an “image,” containing the complete contents of a CD or DVD. It’s a common way that versions of Linux (or many of its variants) are released. For example, you might want to download a copy of F-Secure Rescue CD 3.00 so you can scan a hard drive for any malware.

Also, if you create a BartPE .ISO file as we discussed earlier in “Backup Your Hard drive Now – While You Still Have Time,” you’ll need a way to turn the .ISO into a bootable CD.

If you have Nero or a similar program, you can burn that image to a CD or DVD. Alternatively, you can use the free utility ImgBurn to do the same thing.

ImgBurn version 2.4.2.0 was recently released, and it makes it very simple to burn a disc. The default settings should work fine, but if you really want to dig into its features, take a look at the forums.

Once you’ve installed ImgBurn version 2.4.2.0, and have the .ISO that you wish to burn, launch ImgBurn. We’ll use the F-Secure Rescue CD 3.00 .ISO file as an example. Place a blank disc in your drive, and walk through the simple steps below.

Select 'Write image file to disc'

Click the 'Write image file' button to create the disc

By default, the “Verify” option is checked. After you click the “Write to disc” option, ImgBurn will open the drive door, then attempt to close it to begin verifying. If you have a slimline-type optical drive as most laptops typically have, you’ll be prompted to manually close the door. If the disc verifies properly, you’re all done.

Takeaway: .ISO files are a convenient way to share disc images, and
ImgBurn is a free utility to burn those images to disc. ImgBurn has many features, including creating your own .ISO files for backup purposes or for sharing with friends using a hosting service like GigaSize. If you are looking for a free utility to burn and create .ISO images, take a look at ImgBurn.