Image of a disk, it is backup, is a process of creation of the virtual copy of any disk (including CD, DVD, a diskette, HDD, etc.), identical to the original on structure, the size and contents. The image remains in the format NRG, ISO, IMG or MDS/MDF on the Internet, on the removable carrier or the winchester, and is used as spare in case the real sample is damaged or lost. Besides, images of disks are quite often used when it is necessary to distribute the software. Quite often also system administrators for installation of the same ON on several computers use copies: by one car the system administrator installs programs and drivers, and on all others copies images of a disk.
Before it is correct to make a virtual image of a disk, the special program is required. There is a lot of versions of such programs, and all of them are divided into free, conditionally free (with a limited set of opportunities) and paid. Let's carry out their short review that you could choose with what program it is the most convenient to make an image of a disk.
Free programs
If you look for an opportunity how to make an image of a disk of a game or to copy a disk of any format: DVD, CD, MP3, etc., the free ISO Workshop program can be useful to you. It does not differ in a variety of functions, however, works with all popular formats of compact disks, transferring them in to the BIN and ISO formats and helping to rewrite them on other carriers.
The ImageUSB utility which can also be downloaded free of charge makes backup copies of USB sticks, and Folder2Iso — does images of folders.
Paid and conditionally paid programs
- This program enjoys the greatest popularity among the people who are looking for an opportunity how to make an image of a disk. It possesses the huge list of functionality: with its help it is possible to create, carry out editing, converting, emulation and record of images of any carriers — from a diskette to the hard drive (in total more than 30 formats). However, not all possibilities of this program are available in free option. If you decide not to buy the full version, and to be content with the downloaded free part, then will be able to work only with those images whose size does not exceed 300 MB.
- Alcohol of 120%. This program with the amusing name is also one of leaders among persons interested to make an image of a disk. With its help it is possible to copy directly a disk on a disk, to keep images in different formats, to create virtual drives and many other things. The program allows to make an image of a license disk also. It is more than opportunities — in the paid version.
- DAEMON Tools. The version of the DAEMON Tools Lite program is available to free downloading. Other versions - Pro Standard, Pro Advanced and Net it will be required to pay after 20 days of use. The range of the tasks which are carried out by the program is rather wide: with it you will be able to create images and to record them with other carriers in different formats, to squeeze images of disks and to break into several files.
- Handy Backup Server. It is the program, for those who look for a way how to make an image of the hard drive, and a loading disk. Is suitable also for backup of OS Windows-7, XP, Vista for complete recovery in case of failures in work or loss of data. 30 days will work in the test Handy Backup Server mode then its purchase will be required.
- Nero Burning ROM. Rather simple program by means of which it is possible to make an image including the protected license disk. With its help it is possible to create copies in the formats ISO, IMG, CUE, NRG (own Nero format).
It is not the full list of programs for creation of an image of a disk. Regularly in the market new options appear. However, listed above — the popular and checked by users versions.