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Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Chris Burt
Linux Journal featured an article on how to switch from Windows in 3-easy steps. To summarize, step 1 – introduce open source applications that run on both Windows and Linux, step 2 – dual-boot Windows and Linux and step 3 – weed out Windows from the computer.
In my three-step process, it is a bit simpler for the user BUT requires a little bit more work for you, the Linux user. Step 1 is the same. Step 2 has two options – either you use WINE and get his/her commonly-used Windows apps or use virtualbox and have Windows running on it. Step 3 is the same as above.
Based on my experience, a dual-boot system is often left booting up on Windows with no Linux presence on the desktop whatsoever. This definitely defeats the purpose of switching. With WINE – you can opt to selectively install Windows applications that are supported by WINE *and* have no Linux alternative. With Virtualbox, there is a performance penalty for running the Windows applications. :)
So – take your pick, which one do you think it is better – short of wiping out the HDD and installing Ubuntu and leaving the user with no other Windows access? :)
PS. What's with the image? Well, the person is smiling because he no longer has to deal with malware, trojans and viruses that plague Windows! :P