Software distributed on CD or DVD sometimes requires it to be on the media to install or otherwise work. You can distribute the content virtually as an *.iso file, and then mount that file so the OS thinks it's an actual CD or DVD.

Table of contents

Windows

Creating an ISO

In Chemistry IT, on Jan. 2018, we used the free utility, InfraRecorder:

• http://infrarecorder.org/?page_id=5
  • http://loadion.com/en/how_to/Create-an-ISO-from-a-CD-or-DVD-using-InfraRecorder_98605618.html

More info on creating ISOs:

• https://www.howtogeek.com/228886/how-to-create-iso-files-from-discs-on-windows-mac-and-linux/

Copying or writing actual CD or DVD discs

• See "More info" section below.

Mounting ISO

Windows 8 or 10 have this mounting capability built in.

In Chemistry IT, we tend to use the free utility, Virtual CloneDrive:

• https://www.redfox.bz/en/download.html

MS's utility:

• https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=38780
• Virtual CD-ROM Control Panel
• winxpvirtualcdcontrolpanel_21.exe

Useful how-to for ISO mounting, with other tool options:

• http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/mount-an-iso-image-in-windows-vista/

More info using such tools in Windows

Note that Oliver help Roald November 2017 (INC000002096631), and showed Roald:

• Auto-play DVDs (via VLC)
• Showed how to make *iso from DVD.
• Showed how to make DVD from *.iso.
• Showed existing *.iso of DVD he has.

References used to develop the above workflow to made a disk copy of existing DVD.

• https://www.howtogeek.com/howto/2696/how-to-rip-dvds-with-vlc/
• http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-rip-DVDs-for-free-with-VLC/

Use free version of pay-software:

• http://www.techradar.com/news/the-best-free-dvd-ripper

Ex of pay software with likely acceptable on-going trial mode:

• https://www.winxdvd.com/buy.htm

Mac

Mac's tend to use DMG's, not ISOs.

Mounting

• DMG's (and ISO's) "just mount".