• archive,  linux,  mac os x,  windows

    Archiving CDs and DVDs with .ISO Files

    I wanted to start going through my Apple, Palm, and Microsoft CDs and DVDs and convert them to .ISO files for backup and archival purposes. In a way, I wanted to give back to the Internet for being able to download and use floppy disk archives of Apple II, 68k Macintosh, and Newton software.

    This post will outline the steps to create an ISO 9660 archive disc image file.

    I will be using my Mac Studio (M1 Max CPU, macOS Ventura 13.2), an Apple USB SuperDrive with an Apple USB-C to USB adapter, and the Disk Utility program.

    Here is my .ISO image file capture process:

    Step 1: Connect the SuperDrive and insert your disc.

    Step 2: Launch Disk Utility and select the disc from the pane on the left.

        Step 3: In the Save As dialog box, enter a title for your .ISO file, and set Format = DVD/CD master.

        Step 4: Click the Save button.

        Step 5: Open Terminal and then run the following command:

        hdiutil convert /home/username/original.cdr -format UDTO -o /home/username/destination.iso

        where /home/username/original.cdr is the Save As path and filename from Step 3 and where /home/username/destination.iso is the hdiutil .ISO file output path and filename

        Step 6: Rename the file so that .iso is the only filename extension.

        Step 7: Test out your .ISO image by mounting it on another Mac, a Windows PC, or Linux machine.

        Don’t forget to preserve any important information in companion files, such as the full software title, CD keys or serial numbers that are necessary to re-install the software, and version numbers and publication dates. Bonus points are awarded if you go the extra mile and scan the face of the CD/DVD, packing materials, or paperwork that came with the disc.

      1. linux,  linux mint,  os

        Linux Mint 19.3 Now Available

        Linux Mint 19.3 Tricia Cinnamon desktop in action

        Now that the holidays are over and the family schedule is going back to normal, I discovered this morning that the girls and boys at the Linux Mark Institute have released Linux Mint 19.3 “Tricia”.

        Released with three desktop environments, Cinnamon, MATE, and Xfce, “Tricia” is ready for download as an .iso downloadable for new installations or via the software update feature in an existing Linux Mint install. If you have not used Linux before, or need help with the installation process, you can download the install, user, or troubleshooting guides from Linux Mint website.

        If you have an extra PC lying around, or have a virtual machine system, such as VMware Fusion, Parallels, or Virtual Box, you install a Linux distribution like Linux Mint 19.3 Tricia is easy and painless to do.

        A nice feature of booting up the .iso installer as a virtual PC is that you can test drive and play around with Mint before committing to installing it. If you like what you see, double-click the install icon on the desktop to take the plunge!

        Some of the advantages of using Linux as your PC operating system includes getting away from costly Microsoft Windows upgrades and copy protection shenanigans, frequent security updates, and side stepping all of the popular Windows-based malware. (No OS is 100% secure, so you should always use a malware protection product).

      2. adobe,  flash,  linux,  security,  windows

        Upgrade to Adobe Flash Player 14.0.125 Now

        Adobe has issued a security bulletin urging Flash users to upgrade to the latest release, version 14.0.125.  Windows PCs, Macs, and machines running Linux with unlatched versions of Flash are vulnerable that could allow an attacker to take control of the computer.

        “Adobe has released security updates for Adobe Flash Player 13.0.0.214 and earlier versions for Windows and Macintosh and Adobe Flash Player 11.2.202.359 and earlier versions for Linux. These updates address vulnerabilities that could potentially allow an attacker to take control of the affected system. Adobe recommends users update their product installations to the latest versions[.]”

        You can download the latest version of Adobe Flash Player for your Windows PC, Macintosh, or Linux machine from Adobe Flash Player download website.

        Today’s full APSB14-16 security bulletin can be read on the Adobe website.