The Move from Microsoft Windows to Linux

There are many reasons why you may be considering the move away from Microsoft Windows and to a distribution of Linux.

1.You are getting tired of the constant problems associated with the Windows system such as Virus and spyware attacks.

2.You want to use your computer time in productive pursuits and not be bothered with constantly maintaining the system.

3.There are Linux games you would like to play.

4.You have lost the Windows operating system disk(s) and/or key and don't want to spend money for another one.

5.Linux is the operating system of real computer geeks and you would like to become one of them.

There are many more reasons that can be thought of, but for whatever reason you have decided to do it and are looking for answers to the many questions that may be bouncing around in you head.

Change is a hard thing to do for all humans; we are creatures of habit. Even if something is bad for us we tend to still hold on to it because of it's familiarity and comfort zone. Humans are very adaptable and can get use to the most adverse of conditions. Change can be a good thing. Doing different things in place of the way we usually do it can bring growth and a sense of achievement. The challenges that go along with doing things differently can seem daunting at times but the rewards are well worth the effort.

The good thing about moving into the Linux world is you are not alone. The Internet is packed full of free information from starting out to as advance as you wish to go. I couldn't possibly cover everything you need to know in this article without it becoming a book. I can briefly go over some general information to get you on your way or, at least, get you started.

Here are some tips and suggestions that may help:

1.Linux is as good of an operating system as Windows and can do as much or more of what you are normally use to doing.

2.There are Linux software solutions that can do most anything Windows can do and they are, for the most part, free. You can choose a Linux distribution that is also free to download.

3.Almost all Windows applications that don't have a Linux equivalent can be installed and ran with a free Linux application called Wine.

4.The Firefox browser was originally developed for Linux and is a superior substitute for Microsoft Explorer. Many other browsers, such as Opera, are also available. Open Office is a free, download that is much better than
Microsoft Office and can also be downloaded for Windows and is compatible with most files and documents you already have.

5.You can install applications with the newer Linux versions as easily as Windows does.

6.You don't have to buy and install virus protection or spyware removal programs since Linux is pretty much resistant to such things.

7.You have a choice of many Linux desktops and can modify them to suit your needs. You can get your desktop to look like what you are currently familiar with if you want.

8.Learning to navigate the desktop in Linux isn't no harder that what you have to learn when you move from one Windows version to another. (i.e. changing from XP to Vista).

9.A browser is a browser. All Internet browsers are similar, no matter what platform you are on.

I could keep going forever on this list, but you get the idea. Do your homework by searching the Internet. You will find may resources to help you. Associated Content, eHow, Google, Yahoo, and all the many Linux forums are great places to start. You will be opening doors to what you are unfamiliar with, but behind those doors you will find a large community of wonderful people willing to help you in your quest.