You can also use dd to write an iso to a usb stick, but one has to be real careful with dd that you don't overwrite the wrong drive. dd works in linux, and probably works in apple since apple uses unix.
I assume you are trying to recover your osx, not install Linux?
Linux is what I have been using for years. I like the freedom that linux gives me.
Wayne Sallee
Wayne@WayneSallee.com
Wayne Sallee . Com