Over the years, the diversity and use of different operating systems on desktop computers has not stopped growing. And we must know that not everything comes down to Windows, but we also have many other alternatives. To install them on the PC from their corresponding ISO, we can use certain specific solutions such as the Etcher program.
Whether for testing or out of curiosity, many use, for example, specific programs that allow us to virtualize other operating systems. But that is not the only solution, since we also have the possibility of using the ISO of that operating system to boot it directly on our PC and be able to test it first hand, or install it. And it is that in most cases, it has already been left behind when we did all these through a CD or DVD type support.
For these types of tasks, in the current times we tend to use the widely used USB sticks in order to make working with the PC much easier. In addition to storing and transporting all kinds of own files or applications, these devices can be used to start or install complete operating systems. Its enormous usefulness in this regard is beyond doubt, not only for its small size, but also for its capacity, transfer speed, etc.
However, for certain tasks with these products, sometimes it will be very helpful to be able to use certain software solutions, as is the case. Specifically, in these same lines we are going to talk to you about a useful program that will get you out of more trouble, this is Etcher.
What is the use of installing and using Etcher on the computer?
To start, we are going to tell you that Etcher is a free open source application that basically focuses on facilitating the recording of ISO images and the like. Other similar file formats come into play here, such as IMG, which, for example, allow us to boot alternative operating systems on the computer from the USB port.
For all this, the program itself presents us with an operation and a user interface within the reach of most, even users who are not familiar with all this. In fact, its operating mode consists of a total of three simple steps as if it were an assistant. Specifically, these will serve to specify the ISO as such, select the destination device, and finally stop it on the USB Flash memory .
How to dump an ISO into memory in a few steps
Therefore, and in order to achieve the objective that we have set ourselves here, the first thing will be to download and install the program on the computer.
How to download Etcher for free
First of all, as we indicated, it is essential that we get hold of the program as such. We must bear in mind that this is a free application . Well, so that we can use it, the first thing is to access its official website from our favorite Internet browser.
It is worth mentioning that this is a multiplatform program, so we can install it on Windows, macOS or Linux.
Start-up and first steps with the program
As we mentioned before, here we are going to find a very simple and intuitive user interface. Thus, the first thing that we must do and that corresponds to the first of the steps that we told you before, will be to select the ISO file as such. At this point it should be noted that this can be done from a local location, or from an Internet URL.
Then, automatically, the second of the steps to take to dump the ISO to the USB memory that interests us in this case will be activated. At this point we must bear in mind that before we can continue with the last step, we must have the corresponding USB connected. Also if it is protected in any way we have to unlock it. At the same time, the same memory must have enough free space to be able to dump the ISO that we selected previously. If all this is not fulfilled, the program will not let us continue.
Before continuing, let’s not forget that we must mark the unit that we are really going to use for the dump, otherwise a prohibited signal will appear. Once everything is in order, we only have to click on the button called Flash so that the process as such begins. Of course, before anything else a new window will appear in which we can confirm the device in which we are going to copy the ISO. At the same time from here we will still have the opportunity to change it.
Other details to take into account from Etcher
Before finishing, as we see the process as such to dump the ISO is extremely simple. To all this we must add that the application itself, Etcher, has its own validation system to avoid the use of corrupt USB sticks.
On the other hand, we must bear in mind that the duration of the dump will depend on several factors. Here comes into play the speed of both the USB port of the computer , as well as that of the device as such, the size of the ISO, the speed of the source disk , etc. With everything and with it we may have to wait from a few seconds, up to a few minutes.
To finish, we will tell you that along with this, another of the well-known applications in the sector is Rufus , a solution of this type that you can download from this link .