Ten ways to smooth the switch to Linux

• Tags:
• Migration,
• Linux,
• Open Source

Jack Wallen

Published: 27 Mar 2009 12:47 GMT

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...handouts that refer to KDE 3.4, KDE 4.1, or even KDE 3.x. On top of that, make sure your information includes specific references to the menu entries they see in front of them.

You may have to create your own documentation or edit documentation already available. But never give your new users a printout of a man page. For experienced Linux users, a main page says a lot. For new users, you might as well hand them a printout in Martian, because they will get nothing from it. Along those same lines, make sure the documentation has plenty of pictures, with solid practical examples that relate to users' likely experiences.

8. Make screen casts of more difficult tasks
I can think of one specific task where a screen cast — a short video clip — will help more than any printed image.

When your new Linux users have to open a file, they are going to be presented with their home directory. You cannot tell new users to navigate to their ~/Documents directory. And telling them to navigate to /home/USERNAME/Documents will be equally meaningless. Instead, capture a screen cast of you navigating to the ~/Documents directory to show them exactly what they need to do.

Of course, you will have to tell them that they are not looking for /home/jlwallen/Documents. Make sure they know what their username is, so they know where to go.

Showing new users how to navigate around their ~/ directory will go a long way towards increasing their competence and will save you from constantly having to remind them where they have saved their documents.

9. Encourage the use of Linux-based forums and mailing lists
There will be times when you are not available for help or training. When this happens, and your users have problems, it will be helpful if they know how to turn to a KDE user list, a Gnome user list, or a new Linux user list for support.

If you do suggest this to them, make sure they are informed of the etiquette for these lists. Nothing is more discouraging than getting flamed by a troll on a list. If your new users find themselves caught in the cross-hairs of a forum or list troll, make sure they know the best way to handle the situation, which is not to reply at all. Here are three good mailing lists for your users:

1. KDE
2. Gnome
3. For a novices' list, users can send an email to majordomo@vger.kernel.org with the subject 'subscribe linux-newbie'

10. Have an installfest
Work with me on this one. Offer your braver users your services in installing Linux on their home PCs. Make sure they know the benefits of using Linux at home — security, reliability and free software, for example.

When your users have the same setup at home, they are going to become familiar with Linux much more quickly. Granted, this approach is not going to be as easy in a large-scale setting. But for those of you in smaller businesses, this method could be a valid option to help your users gain familiarity with the operating system.

Painless transition
I have omitted the professional training centres and online training because I am assuming you will be keeping all training in-house. And of course, every company handles training differently. But if you implement some of these ideas, your new Linux users will be able to make the transition without having a nervous breakdown.

Credit: 10 ways to help users transition to Linux from TechRepublic.com

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