Moving from Windows to Linux is a big decision, and actually making the leap can be challenging and intimidating. By understanding the planning and preparation process for migrating to Linux, all staff will know what to expect during installation so they can make the move manageable and straightforward.

Ubuntu Linux is one of the most popular desktop Linux distributions, especially for its great hardware support, first-rate applications and supporting utilities, and solid commercial backing -- including regular release cycles and long-term support packages -- from Canonical. However, the choice of Linux distribution to use is open to the individual or organization depending on your needs.

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Migration Planning: Don't Get Burned On The Buy-In

In strictly technical terms, migrating a desktop PC from Windows to Linux is usually quite straightforward. In fact, a successful shift to desktop Linux may depend more upon careful up-front planning -- and careful communication with non-IT employees -- than upon navigating any major technical obstacles.

The key issues you should consider here include:

* Managing Risk -- Even if the migration process looks easy from a technical point of view, it still involves an element of risk. Buy-in is more likely if the a migration strategy involves several smaller steps -- including a test/pilot phase and a graduated series of actual desktop migrations -- than a single great leap into the open-source unknown.

* Bottom-Up Buy-In -- Plan a migration strategy that gives employees the time and training they need to get comfortable with desktop Linux; Ubuntu's own Wubi environment, for example, provides a great "halfway house" for people new to Linux who aren't ready to give up Windows.

* Selling The Software -- A desktop Linux migration is only as effective as the software employees need to run on their desktop PCs. Organisations need to have a very clear understanding of which applications employees rely upon to perform day-to-day tasks, so that they can include this software -- or preselected alternative apps -- in their desktop Linux migration plans.

Checking for Hardware Compatibility

Hardware compatibility issues are another key to planning a smooth, low-risk desktop Linux migration. Fortunately, distributions like Ubuntu provide two great ways to test this.

A "live" version of a Linux distro such as Ubuntu runs from a CD/DVD or USB pocket drive. It will take you through the installation process, including auto-detecting and configuring your system hardware, with one exception: It doesn't install anything on your hard drive.

Obviously, this makes a live Ubuntu distro a very safe, low-impact tool not just for test-driving desktop Linux but also for learning whether Ubuntu will play well with a particular hardware configuration. This allows an IT staff to demonstrate that an Ubuntu migration path won't lead straight into hardware-support hell.

Ubuntu has a second option for test-driving Linux -- this time without even logging out of an existing Windows account. This software, named "Wubi ", will actually run Ubuntu Linux in its own virtual environment within Windows, without jeopardizing an existing PC configuration or system data.

Finally, there are other options, such as virtualization tools capable of running Windows from a Linux desktop environment to ease the transition process.

Here are some other hardware support issues you need to consider before jumping into a desktop Linux migration:

1. Do you connect devices to their PCs that may create Linux support issues? Consider, for example, whether the use of Windows-based smartphones, or PDAs, many of which are designed to sync calendar data or e-mail with Windows PCs, might cause problems.
2. Are there any types of hardware that you do not want a Linux system to support? Some companies, for example, deliberately disable the sound card drivers in employees' PCs to ensure those systems are used only for business purposes. If you don't want a Linux desktop distro to activate some hardware, you'll want to plan your migration accordingly.
3. Some types of hardware are still more likely than others to cause problems for a Linux distro. Wireless LAN access points/adapters, older printers, and advanced power management (ACM/ACPI) support on older laptop PCs are among the most common trouble spots for many Linux installations.
4. Whenever possible, for example, disconnect printers, scanners, cameras, PDAs, and other peripherals before you begin installing Linux on a desktop system. Once your Linux is up and running, you can reattach these devices one at a time, allowing you to identify, isolate, and resolve potential problems far more easily.

Once you get everyone on board and map out a sound desktop migration path, it's time to get down to the actual installation.
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Complied by the WOUGNET TechSupport Team from an article written by Matthew McKenzie.