What's an .iso file?

[polycat33]

I've never heard of .iso but it appeared on my computer the same way a .dmg did so I thought maybe it was the same thing. When I tried to open it, I was told it might be harmful to my system and was I sure I wanted to open it? I said no. It's supposed to be a program, but I'm afraid it might not be a Mac program. Anyone know what it is?

 

[Eidorian]

It's a disk image of a CD-ROM somewhat like a .dmg.

A Google is fine too.

 

[polycat33]

Is it for Mac? Should I ignore the "this could be harmful" thing?

 

[Eidorian]

Is it for Mac? Should I ignore the "this could be harmful" thing?

It can be used on any operating system.

The image itself is harmless. The contents and running them as an administrator might not.

 

[tutubibi]

Normally, ISO is just a disk image file (like DMG or NRG), ready for burning to CD or DVD. Of course, ISO (like any archive) can contain viruses so if you burn it and have autoplay one Windows enabled (word of advice: disable it) your PC get infected.

 

[polycat33]

Thanks.

And just for the record I did google and it didn't help me much. It gets kinda old being told to google every time I ask a question. Google doesn't answer every question, surprisingly enough.

 

[tutubibi]

Thanks.

And just for the record I did google and it didn't help me much. It gets kinda old being told to google every time I ask a question. Google doesn't answer every question, surprisingly enough.

Well, you still have to master the art of good search query. 😛
If you just search for "Apple" chance is that you will not get "Apple iBook" as a first link. But search for "ISO file" returns wiki link to ISO image article...

 

[devnill]

googling iso's

typed in "define:iso"
entry way at the bottom displayed

• 
  An ISO image is an informal term for a disk image of an ISO 9660 file system.
  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.iso

is wikipedia the new google?😱

 

[Peace]

ISO stands for International Standards Organization and was originally designed for CD's.

 

[MisterMe]

...

And just for the record I did google and it didn't help me much. ...

Just for the record, I also did a Google search. The answer to your question is the second hit. If you don't like to read, then nothing is going to help you much.

 

[yellow]

is wikipedia the new google?😱

Possibly! Especially since Google is the new Microsoft!

 

[-::ubermann::-]

is wikipedia the new google?😱

uhh, it is my case, i hate when I google something and i find only paying websites, so often i don't "google it", i just "wikipedia it" 😉
If isnt in wikipedia, or i want further reading, I use google

 

[redsteven]

i understand the frustration issues and why everyone is suggesting doing searches before coming here, but perhaps this is a valid question:

is there a bug that causes the finder to give you the corrupted file warning with ANY .iso image? I've only used I think one .iso image in os x and I recall getting that same warning, even though I was the one that made the image so I of course knew it was safe.

Has anyone opened an .iso file WITHOUT getting the warning?

 

[MisterMe]

...

is there a bug that causes the finder to give you the corrupted file warning with ANY .iso image? ...

No