CAB and ISO are digital container file formats. A CAB file (Microsoft Cabinet) archives multiple compressed files, typically used for software installation components. An ISO file is a complete sector-by-sector copy of an optical disc like a CD or DVD, preserving its exact structure and data. While ISO offers a disk image for mounting or burning, CAB focuses on efficient bundling and compression of individual files for distribution. Extracting their contents requires specific software tools.

On Windows, native features handle these files: File Explorer can directly mount ISO files as virtual drives. Command Prompt or PowerShell uses EXPAND for CAB files. Third-party tools provide broader access. For instance, 7-Zip opens both formats directly for extraction/viewing. Tools like WinRAR or WinZip also support CAB and ISO extraction. System administrators and developers frequently use these when deploying software or accessing installation media. Virtualization platforms like VirtualBox directly utilize ISO files for installing operating systems.

While convenient, compatibility varies. Older CAB tools might not support modern compression methods. Mounting ISOs requires OS support. Crucially, ISO files obtained from untrusted sources pose malware risks when executed. Future trends may see reduced reliance on physical media ISOs, but container formats remain essential for software packaging and deployment.