An ISO image is an archive file (also known as a disk image) of an optical disc. It's essentially a complete sector-by-sector copy of the data stored on a CD, DVD, or Blu-ray disc. This includes the file system, boot information, and all the files and folders. ISO images are commonly used for backing up optical discs, distributing software, and creating virtual drives. They provide a convenient way to store and share the contents of a disc without needing the physical disc itself. ISO images can be mounted as virtual drives, allowing users to access the files as if they were inserted into a physical drive. They can also be burned onto physical discs to create exact duplicates. The ISO format is standardized, ensuring compatibility across different operating systems and software applications. This makes it a reliable and widely used method for archiving and distributing disc-based content. ISO images are often used for distributing operating systems, software applications, games, and multimedia content.