Linux Lessons: Things to Know Before You Make the Switch

Linux has been moving into the mainstream computer scene at a breakneck pace over the last few years. One of the reasons Linux has recently gained popularity in the world of the non-geek is the immense failure of Microsoft's latest operating system, Vista.

Vista is riddled with bugs, security vulnerabilities, and most of all annoying hardware compatibility issues. Many people have actually downgraded from Vista to Windows XP.

Aside from the problems with Vista, the biggest reason more people are giving Linux a try is Ubuntu. This free operating system has all of the advertised features of Vista without all of the problems.

Ubuntu is the fastest growing Linux distribution available today. It has the perfect blend of perks that appeal not only to those who want to make the switch from Windows, but also to the savvy geek who desires total control over their system. Flexibility, detailed online manuals, enhanced resistance to viruses, and a huge community of supporters, makes Ubuntu a tough operating system to beat.

That being said, it is still scary to make the switch to a new operating system, even if you are so frustrated with Vista that you want to hammer your computer to death. The good news is, once you make the switch, you will never have to pay for an operating system or additional software again. Guess what? You will also no longer be a slave to the Microsoft gods!

With that image in mind, I would like to give you a few pointers to help make your transition into the world of Linux a bit smoother. I'm not going to tell you that it will be a piece of cake. It will take a bit of patience and learning on your part.

Research and Learn
I cannot emphasize this enough. Before you even begin to think about making Linux your primary operating system you need to do a little research. The best place to start is the Ubuntu website. Spend some time in their forums, and most importantly, read their online documentation.

One of the biggest problems you will run into with Ubuntu is that support for DVDs and MP3s is not set by default because of copyright issues (thanks Microsoft). However, it is very easy to add this functionality by using a program called Automatix.

Automatix easily installs all of the codecs that you will need to be able to watch or listen to any multimedia format on the market. You can also install them manually, but that is another lesson for another time!

Give It A Test Run
One of the amazing things about Linux is that there are many live distributions available. A live distribution is an operating system that boots and runs from your CD or DVD drive, a network, or a USB device.

A live distribution enables you to test the operating system before you install it on your hard drive. You simply pop the CD into your drive, reboot your computer, and a new non-invasive operating system will be running within minutes. When you are done, you simply reboot, remove the CD, and you are back in your original operating system.

Ubuntu offers a live version so that you can give it a test run. Simply download the latest version from their site, burn it (read their instructions) onto a CD, then boot from the CD into a fully functional version of Ubuntu.

If you don't want to burn a CD, Ubuntu will actually send you an attractively packaged CD for free (imagine Microsoft doing that)! Simply create an account, order a disc, and it will be mailed to you in 4-6 weeks.

Remember, running an operating system from your CD drive will be slower than if it was installed on your hard drive. Some older computers may not respond well to a live operating system. Make sure you check out the system requirements on the Ubuntu site.

Try A Few Scary Things
Once you have learned a bit about Linux, and have tried a live CD, you are ready to try a few scary things. The next step would be to partition your hard drive so that you can dual boot from either Windows or Linux. The Ubuntu installer (which is located on the desktop of the live CD) will walk you through the process.

You should back up all of your important files in Windows before you start the installation process. When I first started playing with Linux, I wiped out my entire hard drive several times (but I am a geek who likes to try things just for the fun of it). You should at least have a basic understanding of what is happening before you attempt a dual install.

Once you have the dual install in place, you can play until your hearts content in your new Linux partition and your Windows partition will still be there if you mess something up. Sometimes you break things, but sometimes you learn a really cool trick! The wonderful thing about Linux is that it gives you the freedom to turn it into what ever you want it to be.

Switching over to Linux can be scary, especially for those of you who are already afraid of Windows. Let me encourage you though, if you take the time to learn Linux (and it will frustrate you at first just like anything new), you will be glad that you did. Stick with it. Don't give up!

I don't know about you, but I don't like anyone, especially a software company, telling me what I can and can't do with my own personal computer. Switching to Linux will set you free.