A Disk Image is a special file which contains considerable amount of data with a complete hierarchy structure of the folders and files of the Disk which you make the image. This is done by cloning bit by bit all the information contained by the partition. In some cases empty sectors are ignored to create a smaller image in size to minimize space needed.

But why use a Disk Image ? Which will be the benefits ? Well, they are quite a lots. Let’s take them by order.

You just installed your operating system on the C partition. You install hardware drivers, you update your operating system with new security patches and updates, office programs,  and utilities that you need in a day by day use of the computer. It’s not unusual these days, your system to fail after no more than a months. There are many reasons for which this can occur: you just installed a software that slowed down your system so much, that you have pain working with it. Or it could be just an error like many others which occur sometimes without apparent reason and you don’t have time and knowledge to repair the malfunction and you need to work. Or it could be just an infection malware, adaware, spyware, trojan, or some other virus. In these situation the best choice would be to save all your documents which you have on C, if you have ones. And then simply restore the disk partition image that you have made it after the complete installation of your system. How this is possible ? Simple. Norton Ghost is one of the many software which can do a clone your partition in an image which you can use later.

Another reason you would want to make a disk image can be to have a backup solution in case of drive failure. It’s very easy and no time consuming rather than taking all the partition and copy it folder with folder some other place. If you have sensitive data a backup solution in a disk image it’s the best choice.

Regarding disk image you can do in whatever format you want. You can make iso to which you can load later and access it at your wish. A disk image can be done to an important CD or DVD which you must return, but you need to use it. Iso files are very easy to make even with Nero and all burning software. They are done quick, easy and doesn’t cost you anything.

Disk images are a good solution for those who need a mobile solution, without carrying all the pack of CD/DVDs with them. Instead you can make iso’s and copying them to one partition of your hard drive disk. You can load them just when you need them as you load a normal CD/DVD by creating a Virtual Drive with Daemon Tools or Win Iso.