Moving From Windows to Linux - Desktop Migration Tips

As  Linux  continues to gain market share in desktop operating systems, IT professionals and end users look for opportunities to switch from Windows to  Linux . An operating system that previously only dominated the server market,  Linux  is finding its way to desktop computers. Driven by a variety of motivations: software cost, virus and spyware infections, frustration, or the need to try something new...  Linux  on the desktop can work for you.

What is  Linux ?

Understanding  Linux  and the community that surrounds it is your first step. Technically, we've already misused the word  Linux .  Linux  isn't the operating system... operating systems are based on  Linux .  Linux  has paved a path for multiple distributions (or  Linux  based operating systems to exist). When choosing a  Linux  based operating system, you must find the distribution that's right for you.

Choose Your Distribution (distro)

Many distro's exist in the  Linux  space. With so many options, understanding your needs and requirements will make choosing the appropriate distribution easier. Distro's can be very similar or very different, from user interface to how software packages are managed.

For a  Linux  novice, we recommend a few flavors available today. Each one of these distro's maintains a different look and feel. Have a look at Ubuntu, sponsored by Canonical Ltd., Fedora sponsored by Red Hat Inc., or OpenSuSE sponsored by Novell. All of these  Linux  distributions have a strong community of support, means of financial backing, and differences anxious for your evaluation.

These three operating systems are merely a popularity snapshot of what's available today. There are many other choices available. For example: Canonical maintains different versions including: EduBuntu - for education, MythBuntu - for tv and media, Ubuntu Studio - for audio/video enthusiasts... Some other distributions are: Mint, Mandriva, Debian, Arch, Puppy, Slackware, FreeBSD, Cent OS, Gentoo, Tiny Core... and the list goes on.

Analyze and Strategize

Knowing what is important to you in an operating system is just as valuable as knowing whats important to the people maintaining the distro, or the company sponsoring it. The following list will assist you in choosing a distro.

• Is free community support available and adequate for my technical skill set?


• Is commercial support available from multiple vendors?


• Does the distro have financial backing and a good development community?


• How long are updates, and more specifically security updates provided?

Windows to  Linux ... What to Expect?

It's going to be different, understand why and it will be much easier. Don't expect the same, and you'll set yourself up for an experience that might not be as frustrating if you were anticipating clicking on a "My Computer" icon. The following tips and pointers will help you better prepare for transitioning from a Windows Desktop OS, to a  Linux  based Desktop OS.

Compare Ubuntu 9.10 Desktop Edition to a generic version of the Windows Operating System.

Naming Schemes

The task bar, menu names, applications names and the like, won't necessarily be named the same. In Windows you use "Programs" in Ubuntu you use "Applications"... same thing, different name. Furthermore, in Ubuntu you navigate to "Places" as opposed to "My Computer" for documents and folders.

User Interface / Layout

In Ubuntu 9.10 (Karmic Koala), a task bar rests on the top and bottom of the screen. The top taskbar holds menu items for Applications, Places, and System. The bottom taskbar holds shortcuts to applications you are using, different desktop workspaces and the "Trash" formerly known as "Recycle Bin".

OpenOffice

OpenOffice.org - A free word processing application/platform maintained by Sun Microsystems includes applications for: Documents, Spreadsheets, Presentations, Drawings, and more. OpenOffice not only works on  Linux , but works on Windows as well. Many organizations successfully migrate to  Linux  starting with a transition to OpenOffice on a Windows desktop. OpenOffice properly handles most Office document formats as well as others.

There is Plenty More To Learn

Wikipedia - Comparison of Windows To  Linux 

Windows To  Linux  Migration Guide