Move from Windows to Linux

A suggestive guide on how to move from Windows to Linux. Get a taste of Linux without disrupting your Windows installation.

• Choose a Linux Distro. Research is key. Look into what distribution of GNU/Linux would be best for you. Everyone is different, and all Linux distributions are different, but there will probably be one (or two) that appeals to the most. If you're new to the operating system, it's probably best to go for something PCLinuxOS, Mandriva or Ubuntu - these distributions of Linux are aimed at inexperienced users and will help you along the way. The Ubuntu distribution will send you a set of CDs free of charge, there are other sites on the internet which charge a small fee for postage.
  
  
• Try the "Live CD" versions first, assuming your computer will boot from the CD drive; most will. Most distributions offer Live CD ISOs on their website, which you can burn to CD. A Live CD means that Linux will run entirely from a CD and will not touch your Windows installation - this allows you to test out some of the functionality Linux offers without wiping your existing Windows install.
  
  
• Use Linux applications that have been ported over to Windows. Fine example are Inkscape and the GIMP. Using these will get you used to the kind of applications available on Linux. Using open source applications will be a real boost when you actually switch over, as it will be relatively painless for, say, an XChat user to use XChat on his new system, rather than a mIRC (Or other Windows-only IRC client) user having to learn an entirely new program.
  
  
• Back up your important data before you do anything else. If you make a mistake while installing Linux, it's possible you'll have to format your hard drive to put things right. In which case, you will lose all data on it. It is very important you back up if you need to.
  
  
• Get hold of a Linux install CD - when you boot from this, it will take you through the steps required to install Linux. Some distributions, like Ubuntu, actually install from the Live CD, so you do not need to download an additional CD image.
  
  
• Partition your hard drive into two partitions, one containing your existing Windows install, the other containing the Linux installation. Under Windows, this can be easily done with various partitioning tools (Partition Magic, Paragon Partition Manager and others) preserving both Windows installation and existing data. Note that Windows Vista comes with a partition tool.
  
  
• Choose which operating system to boot into when once the Linux installation has finished. This is called dual-booting. It is wise to do this before completely converting to Linux to give you something to fall back on if something goes wrong.
  
  
• Get comfortable with Linux. As time goes on you will find you need to boot into Windows less and less. Using Linux is a learning experience, make sure you make the most of the "community" help which is available from most distributions of Linux. There is usually a wide community which you can ask questions and there will be people more than willing to help you out with any problems you've got. Make sure you use Google and the "search" functions on community websites because people may get irate at answering the same questions all the time in forums and on irc. Visit your distribution's support page or FAQ.
  
  
• Wipe your Windows partition (devote your entire hard disk to Linux) once you're comfortable with Linux. You'll probably never look back!