Most people who install a Linux distribution have been using Microsoft Windows as their operating system for a long time, many for 10 years or more. Switching to a completely different operating system can be more difficult than you might think.
One of the obstacles when switching from one operating system to another is not the operating system itself, but the familiarity that a user has developed over the years regarding the use of an operating system and the applications that “run” on it: How to install new applications or devices, where specific types of files are usually stored, how various system settings are made, and so on.
It is useless to pretend that switching to a new operating system is an easy task, because there are significant differences between Windows and Linux. Each difference makes it more difficult in the short term. Anyone who knows how to use Windows can use Linux, however – no magic is needed, just a little patience and a willingness to learn.
The hardest part about learning Linux is forgetting about Microsoft Windows.
Tips for an easier transition
Install Windows versions of free or open source applications
For many applications that run on Linux, there are also versions for Windows (and in many cases there are also versions for OS X). Knowing and using some of these applications makes the transition easier:
- OpenOffice.org: Office suite
- Firefox: web browser
- Thunderbird: email client
- Opera: web browser and suite of web applications
- Google Chrome: web browser
- GIMP: image editing application
- Inkscape: application for creating and editing vector graphics
- Pidgin: instant messaging application (formerly Gaim)
- NVU: HTML editing application
- Azureus: client for the bittorrent protocol
- KPlayer, SMplayer or VLC: media player applications
- Xchat: IRC client
- Scribus: Pagination and document digitization application (desktop publishing)
- Audacity: audio editing
Check the compatibility of all existing data produced by applications running in a Windows environment
Early checks can address concerns in this area:
- Check the “Save As…” or “Export” functions in your existing Windows application to see what file types are available
- Check the “Open” or “Open As” or “Import” functions in the corresponding Linux application to see if some or all of the file types previously recognized in the Windows application are available.
- Check the “Save” or “Save As…” functions in the Linux application to see if there is an option to save to a file type that is understandable by Windows users.
- The Equivalent Applications page lists various applications that are commonly used on the Windows operating system and the corresponding alternative applications that are available to Linux users.
Try the LiveCD
Most Linux distributions come in LiveCD format. This allows you to boot your computer into a full Linux system that runs entirely from the CD and RAM. It will not affect the data on your hard drive. This is a great way to get an idea of how compatible your hardware is with Linux before installing. It is also an easy way to simply take a look at the distribution and the interface it uses. Keep in mind that the system will respond much slower when running from the CD than when installed on your hard drive.
Experiment with a backup computer or virtual machine
The fear of losing data and system settings prevents many people from exploring their operating system. A test computer can be a powerful tool to convince someone, such as a family member, that a switch to the Linux operating system is a good idea. Alternatively, you can install a Linux distribution as a virtual machine within a Windows environment, using software like VirtualBox.
Technical benefits
- A secure system where viruses and malware are not a problem.
- A very stable system
- It includes 3D graphical effects, search, desktop widgets, and many other features you can find in a modern operating system.
- Application development is also very fast.
Economic benefits
- There is no need to buy an expensive operating system. Linux is free.
- There's no need to buy an expensive office suite.
- There is no need to upgrade your hardware. Linux does not have huge and ever-increasing hardware requirements, forcing you to upgrade your computer's hardware before its time.
Moral benefits
- Most of the software included in Linux distributions is Free and Open Source software, which guarantees the user a freedom unknown in the world of proprietary software.
- Since you can get plenty of quality software for free on Linux, you won't be tempted to get pirated software.
- Linux systems support open standards and open file types, thus keeping competition fair while providing guarantees about diversity. You won't see monopolies and one-sided cultural views in the Linux world.
Possible problems
Linux is different from Windows and takes time and effort to learn. Otherwise, Windows has only one advantage – it has more users. This means that:
- There are more games and programs for Windows. Photoshop, Dreamweaver, MS Office, and popular games are among the applications most missing from Linux. There are, however, many viable alternatives available. On the other hand, there are far more malicious programs (viruses, adware, spyware, trojans, etc.) targeting Windows due to its huge user base and traditional lack of strong security measures.
- There is greater support for devices in a Windows environment. No operating system directly supports the number of devices that Linux supports – but Windows device drivers exist for almost all devices. This is not due to Microsoft, but of course to the market share it holds, which means that any hardware vendor would quickly go out of business if they did not cooperate with it. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for hardware vendors who do not cooperate with the people who develop the Linux kernel. However, most devices are supported by Linux, and more and more hardware is supported every day as Linux continues to develop.
- Finding help for Windows is easy – almost everyone knows and uses Windows, so it’s easy to find help when you have a problem. Not everyone knows people who use Linux. However, Linux has online help on IRC, mailing lists, or forums.
