I am new to Linux as Win10 is going out of support and want to use an alternative. I downloaded the ubuntu ISO (5.8gb) and balenaEtcher. In balenaEtcher, I selected the ISO, then nothing. I cannot select either of the 3 choices (Flash from file, Select target or Flash!) Waited 30 minutes, still nothing.
Help!
And if it is that difficult from start, mine as well buy win11
Please make sure that the ISO image is downloaded correctly and is not corrupted. Please check to see if this tutorial can help: https://ubuntu.com/tutorials/how-to-verify-ubuntu#1-overview
If BalenaEtcher does not work on your system for any reason you can use other software, such as Rufus (https://rufus.ie/en/) as an example.
Nobody can decide for you or tell you if your needs can be served by any Linux distributions or not. Learning to deal with new software and OS can be challenging and requires a lot of patience. I have a lot of family and friend who are currently in the same situation as you, but some have managed to completely get used to the new system, and ditched Windows all-together, while I have had to create some Virtual machines and use some hackey stuff to make specific Windows software available.
Computers are not easy, so don't give up :)
A faulty usb drive can also be the cause. balenaEtcher try to scan it but fails...
