An ISO image is a file format that contains an exact copy of a disk or operating system, including all files, folders, and data structures. It is an archive format that stores all the information from the original disk, including system files, programs, settings, and data.

ISO images are used for storing and distributing operating systems, software, or important data. They can be used for creating backups, installing or reinstalling operating systems, creating bootable media, and performing other operations.

ISO images can be burned to optical discs, such as CDs or DVDs, or used to create bootable USB drives. Users can mount ISO images on virtual devices or use special programs to unpack and access the files and data contained in the image.

ISO images are widely used in the fields of software development, operating system distribution, as well as for creating virtual environments and testing.