Alcohol is a family of computer programs for Windows PCs to create CD and DVD images, create virtual CD and DVD drives, and burn physical optical discs. In addition to paid versions, there are free ones (for private, non-commercial use) with reduced functionality.
Alcohol allows users to store frequently used CDs as images on a PC, providing access to licensed software even if the physical disc is damaged. Using virtual disks also enables you to speed up the loading of software and games. This software differs from other programs of this type by a significant number of virtual drives and the ability to burn CDs and DVDs.
The program’s tools allow you to bypass specific copy protection schemes, such as SafeDisc, SecuROM, and Data Position Measurement (DPM). Because Alcohol copies discs physically and not at the file system level, it allows you to copy, for example, discs for the 3DO, PlayStation and PlayStation 2 game consoles.
To date, there are two main versions of Alcohol – Alcohol 120% and Alcohol 52%. The Alcohol 120% program, in addition to creating and emulating discs, allows you to burn physical optical discs, while Alcohol 52% cannot do this. There are free editions for each version. You can learn more about the features of each performance and download installers for them at the following links.
Alcohol Soft products can be recommended primarily to those who need to create and use CD, DVD and Blu-ray disc images (including protected ones). Their tools that allow you to burn and copy physical discs will also come in handy. However, you will have to pay to use some features.