What Is a Virtual CD?
A virtual CD is a disc image file of a CD. Unlike a physical CD, which operates in a CD-ROM drive, a virtual CD runs directly on the hard drive like an MP3. Unlike an MP3, a virtual CD is an image of an entire disc, and not just a single track. While a virtual CD can include music, its real advantage is that it will also work for video games and disc-based applications.
A virtual CD is completely independent of the original physical CD, meaning that you do not need to insert the original disc when you play a game or disc-based application converted into a virtual CD.
To create and play a virtual disc, you’ll need a CD-DVD emulator like FarStone Virtual Drive. Virtual Drive lets you configure up to 23 “virtual drives” (depending on available drive letters) and make an unlimited number of virtual discs. Virtual Drive also gives you the ability to customize your virtual CDs with documentation and expansion packs, or you can include multiple volumes of a disc set in a single virtual CD. This is especially useful in a business or education setting, where virtual discs may be shared over a network or where multiple media need to be displayed in a single application.
Benefits of Virtual CDs
Besides the fact that they can’t be scratched or broken, virtual discs offer the following advantages:
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Mobility
Transport a virtual CD on a USB drive, a laptop computer hard drive, or just about any digital storage device
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Enhanced playback
With a virtual disc, loading is almost instantaneous, and read times are up to 200 times faster
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Multiple disc play
Run several virtual CDs simultaneously, swapping discs out via hot keys. This is great for multi-volume discs!
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Reduced demand on system resources
There’s no CD-ROM drive to spin, and much less drain on laptop computer batteries
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Disc customization
Custom virtual CDs can include documentation and product manuals, or several volumes of a multi-disc set can be condensed into a single custom virtual disc
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Easy access
Virtual CDs can be shared over a network and transported on just about anything that holds electronic files
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Easy CD-DVD management for children
Create desktop shortcuts to favorite virtual CDs, and organize titles in a searchable Windows-like virtual library
