Just noticed that I ran this as root as well:
echo "17" > /sys/class/gpio/export
echo "out" > /sys/class/gpio/gpio17/direction

I'm no expert but I have this working on a RPi Zero W with this command using sudo:
echo "17" | sudo tee /sys/class/gpio/export
echo "out" | sudo tee /sys/class/gpio/gpio17/direction

I purchased the Nokia AC-10U which is a 1200ma charger and it works well. $10.09 + (no tax) and free shipping. It shipped from the U.S. but there were no extra charge. http://www.amazon.ca/Nokia-Micro-USB-Efficiency-Charger-Original/dp/B004D16T1Q/ref=sr_1_23?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1339090327&sr=1...

I think that Win32DiskImager was mentioned in this forum and it can read and write images.

<t>Hi I'm Bob from Canada. Currently an IT person doing SAP Supply Chain installations. Have to make a living somehow. My computer life all started with the Commodore 64 in 82 then it went to the Atari ST 520 then to IBM / Windows products. Been programming as a hobby for 30 years: C, Pascal, Basic ...