If you want to create a bootable USB installer in Ubuntu, the default application for this is “Startup Disk Creator” that is preinstalled in the system. However, this application is buggy and doesn’t work well sometimes. What is unknown to many is that the preinstalled Gnome Disks (part of the Gnome desktop package) comes with the ability for you to create a bootable USB drive as well. The installation process is also much easier and faster.
Note: Gnome Disks is part of the Gnome desktop. If Gnome Disks is not installed in your system, you can install it with the following command:
sudo apt-get install gnome-disk-utility
Creating a Bootable USB installer with Gnome Disks
To get started make sure you already have an ISO file that you want to install and a USB drive.
1. Insert your USB drive into the computer, and make sure it shows up in the File manager.
Note: make sure you have backed up all the data in the USB drive, as it will be formatted during the process.
2. Navigate to the location where you saved the ISO file. Right-click on the ISO file, and select “Open with Disk Image Writer,”
3. This will open the Gnome Disks application, and a popup asking you about “Restore Disk Image.” Under the “Destination” section, select your USB drive.
4. Click “Start Restoring.” When it prompts you to confirm, click “Restore.”
That’s it. Once the Restoration is completed, you will be able to use the USB drive as a Live CD.
One thing to note is that Gnome Disks does not support data persistence for your USB drive. If you are intending to use your USB drive with data persistency, you will have to use the Startup Disk Creator application.
Conclusion
Gnome Disks is one of the most stable hard disk management tools around, yet few people know about it and what it can do. Other than creating a bootable USB, it also can be used to back up and restore your hard drive, as well as format and partition external drives. Do check it out; I am sure you will love it.
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Damien Oh
Damien Oh started writing tech articles since 2007 and has over 10 years of experience in the tech industry. He is proficient in Windows, Linux, Mac, Android and iOS, and worked as a part time WordPress Developer. He is currently the owner and Editor-in-Chief of Make Tech Easier.
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