Whether you're working with Windows, Linux, Raspberry Pi or some other operating system, you've possibly used image files to install an operating system. Depending on what exactly you're doing, you may be able to get away with working with an ISO image directly – such as in the case of installing an operating system to a virtual machine – but there are time when you definitely need to create installation media using an image file.

There are various ways you can do this, and many of them involve using a command line of some sort. This is not only off-putting to many people, it introduces the likelihood of problems because of typos or other issues. The strangely named balenaEtcher serves as a user-friendly alternative, give you an easy and attractive way to flash images to either USB drives or memory cards.

The process is very simple. Point the app at an image you have – or you can even direct it to use one that's online – select the drive you'd like to use, and let balenaEtcher work its magic. And the great news is that it doesn't matter what platform you're using, as the program is available for Windows, Linux and macOS.

balenaEtcher win points for not only making flashing very simple, but also very fast. A very useful piece of software to add to your collection.