Problem scenario: You want to install Linux on a laptop or workstation. You need to create bootable media with an .iso file that is over 7 GB. CDs and DVDs cannot support 7 GB. What do you create a bootable USB stick?
Solution
This assumes you have downloaded the installation media (the .iso file) to your computer. For .iso files that are over 8 GB, you may need a USB stick that is greater than 8 GB. Assuming you have a large enough USB stick, use the portable version of Rufus. Then follow these steps:
1. Open Rufus (the portable version).
2. For the device that will be bootable, all of its data will be destroyed. Back up the data now.
3. The "Device" drop down menu at the top of Rufus is the destination of the bootable media. Change this to the drive letter that will become bootable.
4. In the Format Options, there is an option for "Create a bootable disk using ..." section. Click the icon of the CD to select the correct source of the .iso file.
5. The rest of the default settings for Rufus (the portable version) can remain the same. Click "Start."
6. You may get a pop up window for "ISOHybrid image detected." Keep the "Write in ISO Image mode" selected. Click "Ok." If you do not get the pop up prompt, go to step #7.
7. You will get a prompt about deleting all the data on the destination drive you chose in step #3. Click "Ok" to proceed. Or click cancel if you forgot to back up some of the data. For a 16 GB USB stick, it may take 25 to 50 minutes. Warning: when Rufus is finished, there will be no messages. You will see the Rufus application that will look very similar to the way it looked when you started.