Quoted from http://www.linuxiso.org/

Click Image To Enlarge

A place to learn about, download, and discuss Linux.

Download from SWITCH mirror

What is a Linux iso?

A Linux iso is a file containing a cdrom disk image of a Linux distribution. This cdrom disk image is an exact copy of a Linux distribution on a cdrom. Think of it as the equivalent of a screen capture, but instead of capturing the information on a screen, this image captures all of the information on a particular Linux distribution's cdrom. When burned as a disk image, the .iso file is turned into a duplicate cd of the original cd. If burned as a file, instead of a disk image, the cd becomes a copy of the downloaded .iso file, and not a bootable cd with accessible files and directories.

How do I use this Linux iso to install Linux on my system?

There are several ways to install Linux using a Linux iso.

If you have a cd burner and software that can burn .iso or cdrom disk images you can burn the .iso to a cd. This cd can then be used to run or install Linux on your system. If you have a Linux system, you can mount the .iso file and access it, locally or remotely, as if it were a cdrom to perform an install or to update an existing system. You can then do an install or update.

Why do I see one large .iso file on my burned cd instead of files and directories?

This happens when you copy the downloaded .iso file to a cd instead of burning it as a disk image. Some software will automatically recognize a .iso file and burn it correctly. Some software requires a specific menu selection such as Create CD From Disc Image, Burn Image, or something similar.