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- inactive, on 07/03/2009, -29/+69I was going to switch to linux but windows 7 greatly surpassed my expectations.
- SuperMoses, on 07/04/2009, -1/+31If you only use your laptop to check e-mail, browser a couple of websites, etc.. then install Ubuntu. That's how I switched. Now all my PCs use Ubuntu because I got used to it.
- DangerCollie, on 07/04/2009, -1/+21That's not true. Switching to Linux is a lot less painful than I ever imagined. We did it. Anyone can.
Those are all great suggestions in the article for easing the transition. Where you run into problems are things like:
- Windows only software. A Windows kiosk works best. If users have to get up to go use a different machine, they'll learn the alternative a lot more quickly.
- Send a copy of OpenOffice home with the users. That way they have a copy at home.
Some of field staff have Windows laptops (actually, we'll support any laptop OS), but unless they really need Windows or want OSX we'll get them a refurbished laptop and install Ubuntu 9.04.
Our switch was pretty stress free. No one complains they can't get their work done. - inactive, on 07/03/2009, -3/+19Not a badly written article, and if properly implemented, should do well to decrease costs related to IT, software licensing, and other related pitfalls when using Windows. I would possibly add rewards for the entire team for embracing the OS, and positive feedback, and support until they become more autonomous in using Linux.
- Tubal22, on 07/04/2009, -1/+16Our company tried to implement Linux, moving from Windows. We have a user base of around 250 employees, logging onto a corporate network, with profiles stored on the network server (a FreeBSD box).
The main reason was because of the OS costs. We also attempted to move to OpenOffice.
Needless to say, it was a failure.
All of the IT guys could install/log in/use it no problem. Most of the users could startup and log in without any problems too.
But once they wanted to personalize anything, or try to save an office document in microsoft format (sine 90% of the people they communicate with outside the office use Microsoft) we started having problems. They would end up calling IT 2-3 times a day.
On top of that, they began to think our company was "cheap" and wasn't willing to put forth resources to let them do their job.
In the end, we decided it wasn't worth the additional IT resources and loss of morale to try to make the switch. - LoudMusic, on 07/04/2009, -2/+17Using cross platform software in Windows before switching their OS to Linux is, to me, the most important thing. If you do a 100% change all at once they will reject it. But if you give them one thing at a time to get used to it won't be so bad. Starting with Firefox is probably your best bet. Then Open Office, or whatever office package you'll have them using. Many music players are also cross platform, as well as picture editing tools - or at least there are some that are very similar. To your every day use that's about all they'll need to get used to.
- inactive, on 07/03/2009, -1/+14Oh please, I use all three operating systems. OS X for my business and personally, Linux for some work, and I have a side-job where I have to use Windows. Whatever gets the job done. Don't be like that your entire life ok?
- Fr33th0t, on 07/04/2009, -1/+11"I think all of these articles promoting Linux are pretty stupid."
Then what does that make someone like you who feels so compelled to comment on them? - inactive, on 07/04/2009, -5/+15Please go to hell!!! I called both of my friends and told him I was the first and you came in and ***** on my parade. I will get even with you ya worthless dog-jacker.
- Dalrek, on 07/04/2009, -0/+10Over XP:
1. A 64-bit version that doesn't suck.
2. Better multicore support
3. GPU use with DX11 for general processing tasks.
4. Better usability with the taskbar.
5. Better support for hardware like SSDs.
6. Hypervisor for the GPU driver so that a crash doesn't break the OS
If you don't plan on using a newer computer (newer as in the past 3+ years), then the benefits aren't nearly as good, but the benefits are there.
But honestly, at this stage in the game, it doesn't matter what OS you use. I don't see why people get their panties in a bunch over this. All OSes are getting close to being fairly equivalent. Windows is stable and fairly safe, linux is becoming more user friendly, and OSX is an all-around attractive alternative. Each user should just use what he wants, we shake hands, and then we move on. If someone is using Windows ME, tell him to change. But 7 vs. Linux-flavor-of-choice vs. OSX is irrelevant. Buy a computer: if you want a mac, get it; if it comes with W7, enjoy; if you want to install linux, do it quickly with ubuntu or make a weekend of it with gentoo. - srg13, on 07/04/2009, -2/+12"No average (American) person will find fun in using Linux. "
So you believe your own views are representative of 300,000,000 people? - bunger, on 07/04/2009, -1/+10If I remember correctly, the free version of virtualbox (OSE) specifically doesn't include the code required to virtualize USB hubs and other devices required to let you pass through the USB adapter to work with a guest OS.
If you install VB using aptitude or some similar tool, you may have gotten the OSE version. Try uninstalling it and getting the .deb package for the non-OSE version from the VB website, and then make sure you enable USB support in VB settings. - Fr33th0t, on 07/04/2009, -1/+10Which is a good thing since Active X is one big vulnerability.
- hamobu, on 07/04/2009, -2/+11No, I never used to work for Microsoft or anything like that. The reason why I do not like Microsoft is that they intentionally work to reduce my choice and lock me into their technology. They break standards, refuse to play with others, and create formats that force you to use their software to access your own data. They also cooperate with other companies to lock you into particular model of consumption, and they work hard to thwart any competition trough dirty practices. I could name many examples, but I am sure you are familiar with all of them. It is easy to see where your life will go if Microsoft, Apple, RIAA and others have their ways. In the future you will buy products, pay to use them, pay to not use them and then pay to get rid of them, and you will have no choice of what you will be purchasing (short of abandoning civilization and living in woods on berries and insects).
- NOFXY, on 07/04/2009, -1/+10its relatively easy to install ubuntu if you know the basics. If you're only checking mail and browsing websites I'd say ubuntu is the best choice since theres no need to worry about defragmenting or viruses.
- hamobu, on 07/04/2009, -3/+12Actually a pre-installed windows XP may be compromised just by sitting on the table connected to the network. That was the case with XP SP1.
- warp99, on 07/04/2009, -0/+8Freedom is not the reason I switched. It was that Windows become a black box that almost couldn't be diagnosed. When there was a problem very little could be done except to go through the documentation, reinstall the driver, software, and/or operating system and hope for the best. It was so frustrating to feel this helpless.
With Linux if you have a problem you can diagnosis it with the tools available even down to the source. You have a ton of community support, can submit bug reports, even interact with developers. You're an active participant in getting problems resolved. Even if something can't be fixed or the solution is convoluted at least there's some type of closure.
Bottom line is Linux empowers me while Windows makes me feel helpless. - inactive, on 07/04/2009, -2/+10TBH, I can't afford it.....
now excuse me while I go downtown a beg at the rail station. - S1ngular1ty1, on 07/04/2009, -3/+11Skip directly over Vista and use Windows 7.
- leamanc, on 07/04/2009, -6/+14Being a Mac user since 1985, and a Linux user since 1999, I have never been a fan of Windows. I've kept it around for things that absolutely need it, and since the advent of Intel Macs and VMs, that's been a lot easier.
I wanted to believe the positive press about the Win 7 RC, so I have it installed along with XP on VirtualBox on a couple of my Macs and one Linux box. Sorry, I just don't get why it's so much better than Vista. Yes, it's faster and some of the more annoying aspects of using Vista have been smoothed over, but I just don't get why it's so great.
Since all the software I need to run in Windows happily runs on XP, that's the VM I'm going to fire up. It's much faster, the UI is more comfortable, and XP SP3 is a relatively secure version of Windows if you take the normal precautions.
So, I'm not trolling. Just give me a list of three to five reasons why I should be so excited about Win 7, and why it would change the mind of a Linux or OS X user. Or hell, even an XP user (until the security patches for XP start drying up). - SuperMoses, on 07/04/2009, -1/+9@fryke: You're missing the point. You're installing Ubuntu an a system that you only use to check emails and browse websites because it will get you used to Linux. One of the main reasons why people don't switch OS too often is because they're used to what they already have installed... and most PCs come pre-installed with Windows. So before someone makes the switch to Linux, they won't like it until they first get used to it.. I suggest a "smooth switch" would be to first try it on a laptop which you use for simple tasks.
- hamobu, on 07/03/2009, -11/+18No switch will ever be painless, and if you are switching to Linux because you expect it to be easier and more fun, than you will be disappointed. The only reason to use Linux is to promote computing freedom. That is why I use Linux, and that is probably why all of us support and root for Linux to win.
- Fr33th0t, on 07/04/2009, -2/+9Why do you suddenly feel threatened? Nobody is trying to make you switch.
- inactive, on 07/03/2009, -11/+18Why digg me down? Have you not tried the RC? I am by no means a windows fanboy, but w7 is sick.
It is also the best OS currently for running Global Agenda, which is hopefully going to be a lot of fun. (closed beta hopefully on the 10th) - Drahkir, on 07/04/2009, -2/+9I found the transition very smooth, and even fun. Until I tried to connect to the wireless network on campus. Damn Broadcom chip...
- mrBitch, on 07/04/2009, -2/+9Which is a huge plus in my book.
- Fr33th0t, on 07/04/2009, -1/+8Check the hardware compatibility list, get your wallet out and shell out the $ for the rights to use it.
Oh, and you might find more info if you stop trolling linux posts. - explodingzebras, on 07/04/2009, -1/+7Fairly useful article, although I'm not sure about making Gnome or KDE look too much like Windows :/
- killdeer03, on 07/04/2009, -0/+6Dugg for using "root" in a pro Linux sentence.
- hamobu, on 07/04/2009, -3/+9Not everyone wants to spend ridiculous amounts for a toy computer, and perhaps you want to be your own man and control your computer they way you want to.
- shinkou, on 07/04/2009, -0/+6Good article, very well written, I have to say... but the fact is, they don't want to switch at all. There are people who just won't switch no matter what you tell them. Most of them are gamers, some are heavy VB *developers*, and some use Excel for anything you can imagine. I believe this is a kind of customer loyalty... crap!
- inactive, on 07/04/2009, -1/+7I wouldn't have dug you down if you only would have listed some of the pitfalls, which tells me you probably haven't even tried it.
(Subliminal Message Follows)
Try Linux. You'll love it. Try Linux. You'll love it. Try Linux. You'll love it. Try Linux. You'll love it. Try Linux. You'll love it.
(/End Subliminal Message) - twiztidsinz, on 07/03/2009, -6/+11No... no it doesn't.
- warp99, on 07/04/2009, -0/+5"Maybe you shouldn't prokject your own inadequacies"
or "project" your own it seems. - inactive, on 07/04/2009, -1/+6That's job security. :) They (the company) pays you more and still saves money.
- inactive, on 07/03/2009, -8/+13That's wonderful for you! This is all about supporting a TEAM of people using an OS (Linux in this case) and how much money do you think small businesses have to upgrade to Win 7? Then support it? We're talking long term savings here, not how much you love Win 7 because it surpassed your expectations. I dig it as well, but if I had my druthers, everyone would be using OS X. Just from a standpoint of support, it's easier to implement, upgrade, and support on a desktop level.
- TheCheeks, on 07/04/2009, -0/+5I switched from Windows, to OS X, and now several Linux distros. Every single move I've made was slightly difficult, but OH so worth it.
- inactive, on 07/04/2009, -2/+7Oh yeah! I put Thunderbird and Firefox on pc's in a small business and it took weeks of explaining...
Some people are just total idiots when something is different.
IDK how they would survive changing drivers sides in different countries.
Indicators....Wipers? OMG! Watch Out! - mrBitch, on 07/04/2009, -1/+6@ DangerCollie, RE: " .. That's not true. Switching to Linux is a lot less painful than I ever imagined. We did it. Anyone can.
RE - Windows only software. A Windows kiosk works best. If users have to get up to go use a different machine, they'll learn the alternative a lot more quickly.
.. Our switch was pretty stress free. No one complains they can't get their work done."
Agreed, and that "Windows kiosk" idea is sheer brilliance. - ileftfark, on 07/04/2009, -1/+6I've always loved KDE, and I'm warming up to KDE4 slowly (4.3RC is fairly solid!), but I disagree with the author's recommendation of Adept. An understanding of package management is necessary for working in most distros, and for those uncomfortable with cli, a frontend for APT or Packman or whatever tool your distro uses is a good way to go. But don't use Adept! It was never that good, and has been replaced by KPackage, which also has its issues (unintuitive and crash-y). Most diehard KDE fans (check irc - they're out there) will admit for GUI, Synaptic wins, hands down.
- Fr33th0t, on 07/04/2009, -1/+6I've seen plenty of users that cannot deal with any changes. Making it look like Windows may at first glance seem like a good idea, but there are going to be differences that set these users off. Perhaps it is better to give them something completely different so that they are prepared for change.
- mikedoth, on 07/04/2009, -1/+6If you don't want to pay out the ass for a Mac then you don't get OS X (for older machines). So your left with Windows, if you don't want Windows then... all your left with is Linux. Which is getting there.
- inactive, on 07/04/2009, -1/+6Step Two point Five: If you are really unsatisfied with Windows 7, you just flushed $200 plus down the toilet.
Step Four: The author of Steps One, Two, and Three is a fanboi and should not be taken seriously. - Dagolith, on 07/03/2009, -5/+9It's hard enough getting end users to get used to what we consider the smallest changes. Let alone an entire OS.
- MethodOne, on 07/04/2009, -0/+4Packman is an openSUSE repository that is the equivalent of Ubuntu's Multiverse and RPM Fusion and a bit more. I bet you mean Pacman, the Arch Linux package manager. The only decent frontend I know of for it is Shaman, which uses Qt.
- warp99, on 07/04/2009, -0/+4Why not use NAT to share the host address and let the host OS handle the wireless adapter?
Edit: This is how I would handle it with VMware. I assume VirtualBox would have a similar method. - ThantiK, on 07/04/2009, -1/+5Seriously think about it: This is by NO MEANS a joke. Seriously think about the days all the way back to MS-DOS and tell me this isn't true....
Microsofts Business Plan:
1. Create OS...
2. Add some polish, and some obvious feature to said OS -- Release it as a new version.
3. Create a 3rd version, this time make it HORRIBLE.
4. Go back to #1, because since everyone HATED your last version, and this one wasn't designed to be *****, IT'S AMAZING.
Windows 98 -> Windows ME -> Windows 2000/XP followed this same pattern. - hamobu, on 07/04/2009, -7/+11Only pompous and pretentious pricks use OS X.
- bunger, on 07/04/2009, -5/+9"You should never have to hit the command line."
What, exactly, is wrong with a command line? Other than possibly having to know a teeny bit about what goes on in that big grey box, people were pretty productive back in the DOS days, too.
Once you understand a little bit about command line stuff, it's surprising how much more quickly you can do many tasks compared to a GUI. - kiwiboyus, on 07/04/2009, -4/+8Just got my Mom n law set up with DSL and switched her from Windows to Ubuntu to keep her out of trouble. I forgot to set up her Canon printer and she was easily able to install it herself. I just recently found NTRConnect and I'm going to install it next so I can connect to her PC when she needs help, easier to set up than VNC
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