How To Switch From Windows To Linux | Jim Lynch: Off the Top of My Head...

How To Make It Easy to Switch from Windows To Linux

By Jim on July 4th, 2009

I think these tips are pretty much right on about how to ease the transition for users from Windows to Linux:

Moving users to Linux can be tricky, but Jack Wallen has some practical measures that should ease the transition.

Sheer economics are making the use of the Linux operating system increasingly widespread. It is free, reliable and safe. But when adopting any new operating system, users always have a lot to learn.

On top of that, many users think Linux is hard to use, which is, of course, not necessarily true. But it is your job to overcome their reluctance and train them to use Linux so it becomes second nature, and so they are just as at-ease with it as they are with Windows.

Without sending users on some sort of boot camp, changing the preconceptions of users may seem a daunting task. But there are ways to ease the pain of learning Linux.

1. Standardise on a Windows-like desktop

2. Get users familiar with applications before you switch

3. Choose the right distribution

4. Have a machine up and running for users to play with

5. Remove administrative menu entries

6. Adopt Adept

7. Offer printed materials

8. Make screen casts of more difficult tasks

9. Encourage the use of Linux-based forums and mailing lists

10. Have an installfest

Be sure to read the article to see the details of the list. Definitely food for thought for folks looking to migrate from Windows to Linux. Thinking ahead, planning carefully and anticipating potential problems can really work wonders at your company as you move away from Windows and over to Linux.