An ISO image is a digital file that contains an exact copy of the data from a physical disc, such as a CD, DVD, or Blu-ray. It captures all the contents, including the file system and structure, allowing users to replicate the original disc without needing the physical media. ISO images are commonly used for software distribution, backups, and archiving. To use an ISO image, it can be mounted as a virtual drive or burned onto a physical disc. This process allows users to access the files within the image as if they were using the original disc. Many operating systems and software applications support ISO files, making them a versatile tool for data management.