Thread: Swapping virtual discs

Depending on the type and number of disc-dependent programs you use, there may be occasions when even virtual discs need to be swapped. This can be achieved by selecting the option to 'unmount' the loaded image, which then frees up the drive ready for another to be loaded. While ISOs can be unmounted individually, it is also possible to unmount all the loaded images at once using a keyboard shortcut. This needs to be manually configured, so right-click on the Daemon Tools Notification Area icon and select Options followed by 'Hot keys'. Click within the 'Dnmount all' box and press a key on the keyboard (such as 'D' for 'unmount'). After clicking on OK, in future pressing Ctrl, Alt and the chosen letter simultaneously will automatically unmount all loaded images in one fell swoop.

As well as the obvious benefit of reducing the amount of disc swapping that needs to be carried out, the program enables disc images to be treated as if they were physical discs - and Windows will not see them any differently. There are numerous uses for this type of disc emulation, besides ensuring that reference or game discs are always available. You might, for example, work with software that is not compatible with Windows Vista. One way to get around this would be to set up a dual-boot system, but this can be tricky, particularly if Vista is already installed.



Microsoft has made Virtual PC 2007 available free of charge, and this is a computer emulation system that can be used to install additional operating systems on a computer without the need to partition the hard drive or configure a multi-boot system by creating a virtual computer to which any operating system can be installed.

Virtual PC can be downloaded from pc and once installed it is possible to quickly configure a virtual computer that uses a portion of your computer's resources. As mentioned, an operating system needs to be installed on the virtUal computer before it can be used, and to save having to search for an installation disc whenever operating system components need to be installed or uninstalled, the program allows for the use of ISO files in place of physical discs. From the CD menu of the program, click on the Capture ISO Image option before selecting the relevant ISO file. ISOs can also be used by other virtualisation tools, such as VMware Server. We covered virtualisation in more detail in the Masterclass published in issue 268.


ISOs to go

Notebook PC users who travel with their computer can make use oflSO files to help lighten their luggage. By creating ISO files from software CDs and DVDs, or even movie DVDs, it is possible to dramatically reduce the number of items that need to be carried around. This also helps to reduce the risk that valuable discs will be lost or damaged in transit. ISO files can also be accessed far more quickly than data stored on an optical disc, and the fact that the optical drive is not being used helps to conserve battery power. There are countless uses for ISO files and, with so many free programs to take advantage of, there is good reason to investigate how you could benefit from their use.