Make Any Linux Directory into an ISO File [Terminal Tip]

I like stuff like this so I figured I would write it down here for later reference. Making iso's are helpful because not only are you able to make a cdrom out of them, I find they are great for storage as well. I think there is a big need for a backup application that makes isos for you automatically. Then you got a nice workflow for moving them off to physical media when your storage volume starts to get full.

Linux newbies might appreciate knowing that you need no software app to create burn-able CD images of a particular directory on your system. One terminal command mkisofs -V LABEL -r DIRECTORY | gzip > cdrom.iso.gz creates a compressed ISO for easy backup (replace the italicized sections with your CD label and directory, of course).