We are going to show you the best USB images for the Linux platform. And this is great since the concept of choice is one of the fundamentals of Linux. However, some argue that there are so many USB imaging tools available, that novice users don't know which one to use.
Then, we will review in this short list some of the best USB images so you can use them in any Linux distribution.
1.- Etcher
Etcher is an image tool for SD and USB cards. It is based on Electron for Mac, Windows and Linux. In turn, it is open source and has a simple user interface, which allows average users to display operating system images on other devices successfully.
Similarly, Etcher has only existed for a few years, but it has already taken over the Linux community. Likewise, it is not difficult to see why it has gained popularity: it is incredibly useful and eliminates the confusion of USB flash drives in Linux.
Notable features
First, "validated recording" automatically checks your USB flash drive for problems that may have occurred during the update process.
Etcher has a simple user interface that makes operating system images on USB flash drives as easy as possible. In addition, users get the same experience on Linux, Mac and Windows.
Similarly, it automatically skips hard drives and non-USB devices or SD card, to protect users from accidentally flashing things from the wrong device.
How to download Etcher?
The Etcher USB image tool is not available in any Linux software source. On the contrary, you must go to its official website and download in an independent AppImage file.
2.- Unetbootin
Unetbootin is a multiplatform USB image application, which can download a variety of Linux distributions. All this directly from the internet and to your favorite USB device or SD card. It can also handle ISO disk images like all other image applications.
In addition, this application has been around for quite some time, but has lost attention due to the appearance of Etcher. Even so, even if it is less popular than the one mentioned above, Unetbootin deserves your attention. Especially if you are the type of user who hates trying to download ISO images. And you prefer an application to take care of it.
Notable features
Unetbootin offers a massive list of operating systems that users can select from a list. And they also download them directly to the USB device, which saves users a good amount of time.
In addition, it is a multiplatform application that in addition to Linux, allows MacOS and Windows.
The Unetbootin operating system download tool offers users the option to download various rescue tools. Like Super Grub Disk, Clonezilla and many others.
In turn, it ignores non-removable media (USB / SD cards), to protect users against accidental deletion of data.
How to install Unetbootin?
This application has been installable for a long time and in all major Linux distributions. Since it is an open source tool. To install this application, you must open a terminal and search for “Unetbootin” with the package manager. Alternatively, you can go to Pkgs.org to learn how to make Unetbootin work for the operating system of your choice.
3.- DD
DD is a command line tool used to copy data from one place to another. It is already preinstalled on Linux, and is standard with Linux system administration experts. Since it can be used for dozens of things, such as: backup of hard drives, copy of boot information, etc. However, many in Linux use it for another purpose: images of USB flash drives.
Also, using DD is much less simple than using GUI applications when trying to copy ISO files from the operating system. Even so, if you are not afraid to play with the terminal, DD is a powerful application.
Notable features
It is a command line application, so even users of Linux computers with low RAM and low CPU power can use it without problems.
In addition to generating images of the operating system in USB, you can configure DD to make a backup of the USB devices.
Likewise, DD has many other uses, in addition to updating operating system images. How to make backup copies of hard drives, clone them, copy USB flash drives. As well as making backup copies of the information of the boot loader Grub. As well as create swap files and much more.
How to download and install DD?
First, DD is a preinstalled application that comes standard on all Linux distributions. To use the DD application, find the label of your USB drive and then use the command below:
sudo dd if = /path/a/iso/file.iso of = / dev / sdX
4.- GNOME MultiWriter
GNOME MultiWriter solves a problem in Linux that many users have with many popular USB imaging applications: it allows users to create multiple USB in real time at the same time. Instead of one at a time.
In addition to handling multiple USB devices at once, GNOME MultiWriter is a fairly competent application with a smart user interface and standard USB creation features that many will appreciate.
If you need one of the best USB images for Linux that also supports writing multiple devices at once. Then check all about GNOME MultiWriter.
Notable features of GNOME MultiWriter
GNOME MultiWriter can convert CD / DVD to USB, along with ISO images to USB.
Also, GNOME MultiWriter validates all USB devices on which it copies the operating system images to avoid and reduce errors.
In turn, there is no limit to the number of USB images that GNOME MultiWriter can work with. The only limit is the USB ports of your computer, which makes the images.
In addition to support for USB devices, GNOME MultiWriter also allows users to create images from multiple SD card devices at once.
How to install GNOME MultiWriter?
GNOME MultiWriter is a conventional Gnome application, and as a result, most Linux distributions carry it in their software sources. To install it, you must open a terminal window, search for “gnome-multi.writer” and install it in the way you normally install the software.
You already have the best USB images that you can use in any of your Linux distributions, you can choose the one that best suits your needs.