Most GUI-based Linux distributions provide several viable packages to access archives such as .zip, .tar, and even .iso files

Linux Servers usually run without a GUI (Graphical User Interface) and therefore many of the GUI tools are unavailable. From time to time, it is necessary to install software from a .iso file. Since this function is not automatic, here is a guide to mounting .iso files on Linux.

The things you will need before starting:

• Access to a Linux console
• Access to the root account or an account with sudo access
• A .iso file to mount

Steps:

1. Log in as either root or a user with sudo access.
2. Identify if the drive you are accessing is a CD or DVD.
3. Identify where you intend to mount your drive.
4. If there is no viable option for mounting you may create a folder with which to mount your drive.
   

   Example (note that if you are logged in as root you may omit the "sudo" command):
   sudo mkdir /disk

5. Now mount your .iso file:

   Example (note that if you are logged in as root you may omit the "sudo" command):
   sudo mount -o loop /path/to/file.iso /disk

6. You should be able to access the files contained in the .iso file.
7. After your are done using the mounted drive, you should remember to unmount the drive

   umount /disk

Mounting and unmounting .iso files should be easy following these simple steps.