libguestfs vs TotalMounter

libguestfs is a free library and toolset for working with virtual machine disk images. It can inspect and edit guest files, script changes, create or resize images, make backups, clone virtual machines and build them. The project says it can access almost any disk image, including those from VMware and Hyper-V, and images created by VMware, KVM, qemu, VirtualBox, Xen and other hypervisors; libvirt is not required. Its command-line tools include guestfish, a scriptable shell, and virt-rescue, an interactive rescue shell. The C library has bindings for many languages, with examples for C/C++, Erlang, Go, Java, Lua, OCaml, Perl, Python and Ruby. Guest filesystems are accessed through a Linux kernel in a qemu virtual machine, usually as a non-root user; sVirt with libvirt and SELinux can also be used. It runs on many Linux distributions and Mac OS X, while some virt tools have been ported to Windows. Non-Linux systems may require compiling from source and porting.

TotalMounter is a free Windows utility combining virtual CD/DVD drives, virtual disk mounting, and iSCSI initiator functions. It mounts ISO, CDI, BIN, MDS, MDF, IMG, RAW, CCD, and NRG images. Its virtual CD/DVD burner can write data to an ISO file through CD/DVD burning software. TotalMounter creates and mounts IMG and VHD virtual disks, with AES 256-bit encryption listed for virtual disks. The built-in iSCSI initiator connects to CHAP-protected targets, including those created by iStorage Server, and the program can act as an INetDisk client. Virtual Write allows copying files into a read-only drive without affecting other clients. Up to eight virtual drives are supported. The free edition includes a basic GUI, virtual optical drives, encrypted virtual disks, iSCSI disks, an INetDisk client, and forum support. Listed systems include 32-bit and 64-bit Windows 2000, XP, Server 2003, Vista, Windows 7, and Server 2008. Ethernet is required for INetDisk and iSCSI mounting.