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.

Windows

Creating an ISO

Windows 8 or 10 do not have this capability built in.

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:

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

Copying CD or DVD

Oliver recalls also using VLC for to make copies.

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, with other options

• http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/mount-an-iso-image-in-windows-vista/
• Oliver remembers it was possible to mount ISO using VLC

Mounting ISO

Mac

Mac's tend to use DMG's.

Mounting

DMG's (and ISO's) also "just mount".