How to use ISO downloads

Many of the downloads from software.caltech.edu are ISO files, which essentially contain all the files and folders of a CD/DVD. To use an ISO file, you have several options:

• Mount the ISO onto a virtual drive on your computer
• Create/burn an install disc from the ISO
• Extract the ISO contents to your computer

Mount an ISO onto a virtual drive:

1. In order to mount the ISO on a Windows computer, you will need to use a third party ISO mounting application. Some options include:
   • Virtual CD-ROM Control Panel (Windows XP, Vista, 7 compatible): http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=38780
   • Virtual Clone Drive: http://www.slysoft.com/en/virtual-clonedrive.html
   • Magic ISO Virtual CD/DVD-ROM: http://www.magiciso.com/tutorials/miso-magicdisc-overview.htm
2. Review the instructions or Read Me files for these tools for directions on how to install the software and mount an ISO.
3. Mac OSX will automatically mount an ISO by double-clicking the ISO file itself.
4. Once the ISO is mounted, you can browse through all the files contained within the ISO to begin your software installation.

Create/burn an install disc:

1. You will need CD/DVD burning software installed on your Windows computer in order to create an install disc. If you do not have disc burning software already installed, some options include:
   • ImgBurn: http://www.imgburn.com
   • Power ISO: http://www.poweriso.com
2. When burning your disc, be sure to select the option to create disc from image, or burn image. Do not simply create a data disc, which just copies files and folders to disc.
3. Windows 7 and 8 have the ability to create discs from an ISO without any third party tools:
   • Locate the ISO file that you want to create a CD/DVD from.
   • Right-click on the ISO file and select Burn disc image.
   • Select your Disc burner on the next screen and click Burn.
4. Mac OS X can also create install discs without any third party tools:
   • Launch Disk Utility, located in Applications > Utilities.
   • Under the Images menu, select Burn.
   • Select the ISO file that you want to burn.
   • Make any changes to the options, and click Burn.
5. Once the CD/DVD is created, you can use the disc in any computer with a CD/DVD drive and install software directly from the disc.

Extract the ISO contents:

1. To extract ISO contents and save them to your Windows computer, you will need a third party tool. Some options include:
   • WinRAR: http://www.rarlab.com
   • Magic ISO: http://www.magiciso.com/tutorials/miso-isoextractorwin.htm
2. Once the ISO contents have been extracted, you can browse through all the extracted files to begin your software installation.