Copying operating system (typically Raspbian) image files to a micro SD card is an essential part of getting started with a Raspberry Pi. It can be a long-winded process and is often difficult for newcomers to grasp. Mac and Linux users typically use the dd command in the terminal, while Windows users require a program such as Win32DiskImager.

So we were pleased to come across Etcher. Etcher turns the whole process of flashing an OS image file into three simple steps: Select Image, Select Drive, and Flash Image.

More importantly, the same program, with the same interface, is available on all three types of computers – Windows, Mac, and Linux – which makes it easy for everybody to understand.

Etcher takes a lot of the stress out of flashing a drive. Etcher won’t write to your hard drive volumes unless you check Unsafe Mode in Settings. Unsafe Mode is handy if you want to flash a USB thumb drive or other internal drive, but it’s disabled by default, making the process safer for newcomers.