FOR~GO
(For Geeks Only)
By Joe Callison
25 September 2017
An ISO file is the image of a CD or DVD that is typically used for burning a copy of the CD or DVD. Windows 8 and 10 come with a built-in ability to mount an ISO image directly from the file so that a CD or DVD player is no longer needed. A utility can be added to Windows 7 or Vista to provide the same capability. For information on how to mount (and unmount) an ISO file or to obtain the utility, see the following link:
https://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/mount-an-iso-image-in-windows-vista/
Before downloading an ISO file, you need to know whether it should be a 32-bit version or 64-bit version. Some older processors are 32-bit and can only run 16-bit or 32-bit software. Some older processors and all new processors are 64-bit and can only run 32-bit or 64-bit software. However, device drivers do not work the same way. If you have a 32-bit operating system installed, then you must use 32-bit device drivers and if you have a 64-bit operating system installed, you must use 64-bit device drivers. Some older hardware may not have 64-bit device drivers available for use with 64-bit operating systems, so you would have to either stay with a 32-bit operating system or replace the hardware. For more information on this subject, see the following link:
https://www.howtogeek.com/56701/htg-explains-whats-the-difference-between-32-bit-and-64-bit-windows-7/
Sometimes you or someone you are helping may need an ISO file for a Microsoft operating system version or Microsoft Office version that you do not have the CD or DVD for. Microsoft has made it very tricky to find the ISO files now stored on their TechBench site. Fortunately, the following link will do the work for you using their download tool:
https://www.heidoc.net/joomla/technology-science/microsoft/67-microsoft-windows-iso-download-tool
