An image file is used to store an exact replica of a specific
set of data on some type of disk drive or in computer RAM. For
example: One might keep an “image” of a particular floppy disk
stored on a hard drive so it can be retrieved at a later date.
The procedure for retrieval usually involves running some
software that recreates the image of the original floppy disk on
a new disk. Image files are also frequently used with CD writers
to prepare data to be written to a CD. In this case all of the
desired files are copied into an “image” of the CD that is on a
hard drive. Once ready, this image can quickly be written to the
recordable CD. Sometimes this procedure is required in order to
be able to write a suitable CD, but this will vary upon the
software and hardware being used.