The Benefits of the UIF Image File

The ever increasing storage capacity of hard disks have in turn resulted in files getting and larger Whether you want to back up documents, pictures from your vacation or music files, the best way to do it would be with a CD or DVD, and the format UIF (Universal Image File), created by MagicISO

The ever increasing storage capacity of hard disks have in turn resulted in files getting and larger. Whether you want to back up documents, pictures from your vacation or music files, the best way to do it would be with a CD or DVD, and the format UIF (Universal Image File), created by MagicISO.

Features of the UIF

The UIF is basically a compressed image file of either a CD or DVD. However, unlike other image files, it has several notable features not present in others. This includes the following:

Data protection

If you have some sensitive files that you want to keep away from prying eyes, the UIF can help because it has an extensive range of protection tools, including password protection and a solid data encryption program and MD5 checksum functions.

Its password protection application is such that you will be able to transfer the contents assured that access by anyone other than the intended receiver is extremely remote. In addition, the encryption key is one of the strongest in the market today.

Superior Compression

Almost all the backup software available today makes use of the standard compression tools like zip and rar, but the UIF utilizes its own proprietary technology that makes it possible for files to occupy even less space, allowing you to put in more data than would be possible using other software.

Other Features

Another advantage is that it is very fast, and at the same the speed does not in any way hamper or corrupt the data inside. The UIF is also versatile: it is often used to create a DVD or CD as you would an ISO image, but it is very capable of serving as a backup of CDs. DVDs, and even Video CDs, SVCD, and plain audio CDs. It also has the ability to extract files, edit them and burning data as well.

The UIF image file can also convert and utilize image file formats, including ISO and CUE/BIN; it can even convert BIN to ISO and back again. It has also been designed so that it can edit files without the need to extract or decompress them.

The UIF can even create bootable image files and mount disc images through the MagicISO Virtual DVD/CD. This is a freeware utility also designed by MagicISO, and is the perfect complement to the UIF. Currently, the UIF supports the Microsoft Windows operating systems.

If you own a Mac, you can still use the UIF image file. First you have to convert the UIF to the ISO format, something that can be done with the MagicISO freeware, specifically the tool UIF2ISO. It is not complicated to use; it is just a matter of drag and drop, and depending on the option that you chose, the file will be either burned or opened.

Support for Multiple File Types

Aside from ISO and BIN, other DVD and CD file formats supported by the UFI include, but are not limited to, NRG, IMG, BWI, MDF and more. It also has support for various music file types, including mp3, audio CD, wav files; there is also support .CIF, VaporCD, P01/MD1/XA BWI/BWT, CDI, and many more.

Peter Garant is writing articles about UIF standards for a site about UIF images files.