Please help! How do I copy FF9 CDs to an ISO file?

[Moggis]

I am currently playing FF9 using epsxe.

I want to play FF9 from my hard drive to reduce the loading times - is copying the CDs to an ISO file the only way?

What programs can I use to copy the official CDs to an ISO file?
Do I need to patch the CDs for it to work?
I have Nero CD-R software - will this help?

Please help!