Burn an ISO File

Overview

As outlined in the Download Manjaro page, an ISO is not simply a 'drag and drop' or 'copy and paste' duplication of Manjaro's installation files. It is in fact a copy of the raw computer code that makes up the files themselves. This is why it is necessary to use a software burning application to 'burn' an ISO file (i.e. convert its raw code into the files) to a physical medium such as a DVD or USB flashdrive / datastick in order to use it. Once burned / converted, the files on that medium can then be used to:

• run Manjaro directly without having to install it to your system (referred to as 'Live-CD mode), and/or
• install Manjaro on your system

Note

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Manjaro will not have full functionality when run in Live-CD mode. For example, you will not be able to save any changes to the system, or install updates or new applications.

Again however, it will not be necessary to to burn an ISO if you intend on running Manjaro in a virtual machine environment using Oracle's Virtualbox. This is because Virtualbox is able to read ISO files directly as virtual disks.

Burning to CD/DVD in Linux

Tip

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It is strongly recommended to select the slowest speed available when burning to disc in order minimise the possibility of corruption during the burning process.

Several different software burning applications - if not already installed - should be available for installation from your distribution's Software Center / Software Manager / Package Manager / repositories. Popular burners include XFBurn, K3b, and Brasero. Which one you may choose is entirely down to personal choice. However, a guide to burning your downloaded Manjaro ISO using Brasero has been provided below:

1. Insert a Blank CD/DVD (use a DVD if burning an ISO for anything other than the NET Edition)

2. Start the Brasero software burner

3. Click the Burn Image - Burn an existing CD/DVD image to disc button to open the Image Burning Setup window.

4. Click the button beneath the title Select a disc image to write to open up your file manager. Locate and double-click the downloaded ISO file to load it. Upon automatically returning to the Image Burning Setup window, note that the ISO file is now listed as the disc image to write.

5. Underneath the title Select a disc to write to the blank CD/DVD inserted should already have been automatically listed. Otherwise, click the button to select it manually.

6. Click the properties button to open the properties window, and then click the button beneath the title Burning Speed. Again, it is strongly recommended to select the slowest speed available. Once selected, click the Close button.

7. Click the Burn button to start the burning process. If necessary, follow any on-screen instructions provided.

Burning to a CD/DVD in Windows

Severak free software burner applications are available for Windows. The most popular examples of these include:

• Imgburn (Youtube video tutorial)
• Burn Aware free (Youtube video tutorial), and
• CDBurnerXP (Youtube video tutorial)

An overview of each of these applications is available on the CD/DVD Burning Article on the TechSupportAlert website. Additional burners may also be found on the Download.com website, although you will have to filter the search results to view only the free applications provided. It will also be worthwhile to take the time to read any reviews provided for your choice(s).

Burning to a USB Flashdrive / Datastick

A comprehensive guide to burning an ISO image to a USB device for Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X is available on the Archwiki Website. It is worthwhile noting that the guides for the Linux and Mac OS X operating systems are suitable for more experienced users.