For as long as I’ve known PC’s, installing an Operating System required an installation disk, usually a DVD or maybe a CD for the older Windows XP or early versions of Ubuntu. But all that changed when DVD drives started going the way of the floppy disk. Modern notebooks no longer come with this once very popular drive. The way to go is USB. The only sure way to install an operating system on a PC today is to use a bootable USB drive. There are tons of tools that will help you create these; here are our top picks.

Rufus

Now, let’s create our first bootable UFD using Rufus, shall we? Follow these steps:

  1. Rufus requires an account with admin access in order to make the necessary changes to hardware. After authenticating, insert the USB flash drive and launch Rufus. It will detect the drive almost immediately. Since Rufus can handle various partition schemes and file structures, ensure that the correct settings are set that match the UFD you’re going to build ( Figure A ). Figure A
  2. Click the optical drive button next to the Create a bootable disk using checkbox , and you’ll be prompted to search for the ISO image to use ( Figure B ). Figure B
  3. When using ISO images, Rufus will automatically modify the settings to best match it. Once everything is set correctly, click the Start button to begin the process. You’ll be prompted with a warning that all data on the UFD will be destroyed. Click OK to proceed with the creation process ( Figure C ). Figure C
  4. Depending on the ISO image size, the process may take several minutes to complete . For the log readout of each step in the process, click the Log button to open a side window and save the output details ( Figure D ). Figure D
  5. The longest part of the entire process is the file copy portion. This is typically the last step and varies depending on file size/number of files to copy ( Figure E ). Figure E
  6. When complete, double-check the external drive to verify the files were copied over ( Figure F ). Figure F

With the process completed, simply eject the UFD, insert it into the device you wish to install the OS on, and boot as you normally would. The days of carrying multiple CD/DVDs with you and dealing with lagging installs are drawing to a close with the ubiquitous use of USB drives—and the storage capacity can’t be beat.

PowerISO

PowerISO is another very versatile tool on Windows that allows you to mount .iso files onto virtual drives and create bootable USB disks. To create bootable USB, follow these steps;

  • Start PowerISO (v6.5 or newer version, download here ).
  • Insert the USB drive you intend to boot from.
  • Choose the menu “Tools > Create Bootable USB Drive”. The “ Create Bootable USB Drive ” dialog will popup. If you are using Windows Vista or above operating system, you need to confirm the UAC dialog to continue.
  • In “Create Bootable USB Drive” dialog, click “…” button to open the iso file of Windows operating system.
  • Select the correct USB drive from the “Destination USB Drive” list if multiple USB drives are connected to the computer.
  • Choose the proper writing method. “USB-HDD” is recommended.
  • Click “Start” button to start creating the bootable USB drive .
  • PowerISO will alert you that all data on the USB drive will be destroyed. Click “OK” to continue .
  • The program will start writing USB drive, and showing the progress information. You should get the message “Writing USB drive completed successfully.” after the operation completes.

If no errors occurred in the above process, you should now be all set to setup Windows from USB drive !

UNetbootin

The following assumes your working from within Windows and have a current copy of the ISO you wish to convert.

  • Download UNetBootin for Windows
  • Download your favorite Linux ISO
  • Double click the Unetbootin Executable to start the program
  • (1) Click the Diskimage radio box (2) browse to select your ISO (3) Set your target USB drive (4) click OK to start the creation.
5 tools that help you Create bootable USB drives - 1
  • Once the UNetbootin installer has completed, click Reboot Now
5 tools that help you Create bootable USB drives - 2
  • Set your system BIOS or boot menu to boot from the USB device and enjoy your favorite Live Linux on USB

Etcher

The usage is quite straightforward (as shown in the image):

5 tools that help you Create bootable USB drives - 3
  1. Select an image: to burn onto the drive. There are many supported formats including iso , img , zip and gzip .
  2. Select a drive: that you wish to use as a bootable medium. Remember this drive will be completely erased .
  3. Flash!: press this button to start flashing the drive, once the process is complete you can eject the drive and use it.

Windows 7 USB download tool

To install the Windows USB/DVD Download Tool:

  1. Click to open the Windows USB/DVD Download Tool page.

  2. Click Download then Run.

  3. Follow the steps in the setup dialogs. You’ll have the option to specify where to install the Windows USB/DVD Download Tool.

You must be an administrator on the computer on which you are installing the Windows USB/DVD Download tool. It requires the Microsoft .NET Framework version 2.0 or higher .

System requirements

  • Windows XP SP2, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 (32-bit or 64-bit)
  • Pentium 233-megahertz (MHz) processor or faster (300MHz is recommended)
  • 50MB of free space on your hard drive
  • DVD-R drive or 4GB removable USB drive

For Windows XP users

The following applications must be installed prior to installing the tool:

  • Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 must be installed. It can be downloaded here .
  • Microsoft Image Mastering API v2 must be installed. It can be downloaded here .

Using the Windows USB/DVD Download Tool

Before you run the Download Tool, make sure you have purchased the Windows ISO download from Microsoft Store and downloaded the Windows ISO file to your drive. If you have purchased Windows but have not yet downloaded the ISO file, you can download the ISO file from your Microsoft Store Account.

To make a copy of your Windows ISO file:

  1. Click the Windows START button, and click WINDOWS USB/DVD DOWNLOAD TOOL in the ALL PROGRAMS list to open the Windows USB/DVD Download Tool.

  2. In the SOURCE FILE box, type the name and path of your Windows ISO file, or click BROWSE and select the file from the OPEN dialog box. Click NEXT.

  3. Select USB DEVICE to create a copy on a USB flash drive or select DVD disk to create a copy on a DVD disk.

  4. If you are copying the file to a USB flash drive, select your USB device in the drop-down list and click BEGIN COPYING. If you are copying the file up to a DVD, click BEGIN BURNING.

When your Windows ISO file is copied to your drive, install Windows by moving to the root folder of your DVD or USB drive, and then double-click Setup.exe.

Rufus, etcher, UNetbootin, Universal USB Installer or Windows 7 USB download tool

I’m a tech enthusiast and digital explorer based in Kenya passionate about Android, Linux, and the world of custom ROMs. I love tinkering with devices to craft personalized, optimized experiences. When I’m not deep in code or tweaking gadgets, you’ll find me immersed in science fiction, philosophy, or writing about the ever-evolving tech landscape from an African perspective.

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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.

This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.

This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.

READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda

“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”

Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”

The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:

  • SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
  • Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
  • Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
  • Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.

Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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Printing of data in Uganda is an activity that is very profound. Places like Nasser Road are well known for anything involving a printer, ink, paper among others.

Printers are useful in almost every aspect: at home, at school and at work. So what do you do when you want to buy a printer. This guide takes you through what is vital when buying a printer in Uganda.

What is a printer?

A printer is a device that accepts text and graphic output from a computer and transfers the information to paper, usually to standard size sheets of paper. The laser printer uses a laser beam reflected from a mirror to attract ink (called toner ) to selected paper areas as a sheet rolls over a drum

Types of Printers

  • Ink jet and bubble jet. With this type of printer, the print head sprays drops of liquid ink onto the page. Ink jet and bubble jet printers have good image quality and are fast; however, printouts have a tendency to smear if they get wet. EPSON Inkjet printer
  • Laserjet: These work in a manner similar to a photocopier. A roller is charged with electricity, and a laser is used to remove the charge from portions of the roller. Powdered ink also known as toner sticks to the parts of the roller that were hit by the laser and is transferred from the roller to the paper. Then the ink is baked into the paper using a heater. Laser printers produce very high quality output and are very fast. HP laserjet printer
  • Dot-matrix (impact) In a dot-matrix printer, a print head moves across the page. Characters or graphics are created by using a cluster of pins. These pins press an inked ribbon to the paper to create a dot. Each character or image is made out of a series of dots. These printers are usually cheap and durable, so they are still used by many businesses as invoice printers. They tend to be slow and noisy, and the output quality is the lowest of all types of printers. EPSON Dot matrix printer
  • Dye diffusion thermal transfer Also known as thermal dye sublimation, dye sub, or thermal dye transfer, this is a process used by color printers. A colored wax film or crayon is moved across the page. The pigment is heated and deposited on the page. The paper frequently goes through the printer four times, one time for each color. HiTi Dye diffusion transfer printer

Qualities of a good printer

Compatibility. When you are buying a printer, make sure it comes with the right drivers that are compatible with your computer and its operating system. Printers need driver software to communicate with your application software. It must also be able to connect to your office LAN or through wireless means.

Replacement ink. Funny as it may sound, cheap printers use expensive ink cartridges. If you buy any with the most affordable price tag, you will end up spending a fortune in the long run. Within the first year of use, the total cost of the cartridges will have surpassed the amount you paid for your printer. Ask about the cost of replacement before you make a purchase to know what to expect when the printer runs out of original cartridges. Another factor that you must consider is the availability of the ink, as some printer manufacturers require that you purchase it directly from them.

Paper handling. A good printer must be capable of handling all your paper needs, and it should be expandable to accommodate ensuing growth. Some business printers have a standard input capacity of fewer than 200 pages. While this may work well for a small medium company, it will be insufficient for a large corporation.

Speed. It is important to know the number of pages or photos per minute a printer is capable of producing. Printer companies refer to printer’s speed as PPM, an abbreviation of pages per minute. PPM depends on factors such as if the document is white, black, color, full page or text only. So if you plan on printing a lot of color photos, check the printer’s photo printing speed, to make sure you get the most suitable one.

Good print quality. Print quality is determined by dots per inch, abbreviated as DPI. A printer with a high DPI will deliver a clearer picture. If you need a good quality printer to bring your photos to life, look for one that offers that glossy look and enhanced color reproduction.

Related Article: 10 common reasons your printer isn’t working

Preparation to buy

Here, you are basically putting together all the necessary information required to help you acquire a good printer.

  • List your needs. What work do you want done and how do you want it done.
  • Understand the requirements in terms of what particular type can suit your needs.
  • Consider availability of affordable ink for your printer for replacement when the ink is done.
  • Consider the printing resolution required.
  • Check paper type and size abilities of the printer
  • Check online for reviews and recommendations.

Choosing a Printer

This is a stage where the choice of printer is made. Follow the following directions.

  • Determine your operating system and what printer manufacturers support your operating system.
  • Check your finances and make sure you buy the best affordable one available.
  • Look at the features like wireless printing among others and make a decision depending on your needs.

Understanding Print Quality

Print quality refers to the quality of the hard copy or printout produced by a printer. There are various factors that influence print quality and these are:

Accuracy of the reproduction of the source material; which is influenced by the quality and type of paper used and by the specifications of the printer such as the dots per inch (DPI), the print-head capability and the type and quality of ink/toner used. If a printer has a lower DPI capability compared to the source image, the printed image becomes a down-scaled version in terms of resolution, although this is usually not an issue for regular printing at small size prints but would make a bigger impact on poster printing and larger formats.

Driver of the printer and the ink or toner used . The printer driver transforms the source image into a set of instructions for the printer to follow, which determines where it places each dot on the page and what color to use. If the instructions are wrong, then the printout would definitely be wrong. Faulty printer driver programming is often the reason why printers sometimes display artifacts in the printed image.

Printers in Uganda range from 250,000 UGX to 5,000,000 UGX depending on brand, type and quality. They can be purchased online and in various computer shops.

Victor Immanuel Oloo is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in web 2.0 technologies, social media, and digital marketing. He covers the latest in mobile apps, smartphone reviews, and tech news, offering insightful analysis on the ever-evolving tech landscape. Victor’s deep understanding of both local and global trends provides readers with relevant, informed perspectives on how technology is shaping our world.

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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.

The key launches included:

  • CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
  • MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
  • MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
  • TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.

Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”

“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”

Laury Bai, TECNO CMO

Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”

James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek

CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography

TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.

Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer

The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”

Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud

The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.

TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability

To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”

Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK

Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.

MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers

The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.

World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14

Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.

TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.

Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm

In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.

The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series

TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.

TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future

Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.

Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.

Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.

With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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