Switching from Windows the easy way

Filed in archive Linux For Windows Users on September 14, 2008

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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