10 Steps to Convert a Windows User to Linux

Recently, Linux is becoming more popular due to its ease of use and availability. People are switching from Microsoft Windows to Linux and making it as their operating system. However, if someone has been using Windows for many years then it could be a difficult task to make him/her switch to a new one. Here are 10 steps to help you convert a windows user to Linux.

First of all, select your mark. You will have to carefully choose the candidate for Linux conversion. The ideal candidate would be the one who has heard about it and is a tech-literate. He/she should also be willing to put in some time and effort to learn a new thing.

Secondly, introduce your target to the free software on Microsoft Windows. Most probably your mark will be working on at least Firefox, if not Google Chrome. Take Firefox as an example to explain how free software are written. Explain how Linux has been created by a community of developers and not by any giant corporation. You should explain the features and advantages of using this operating system over Windows.

Thirdly, show your Linux desktop to your mark. The Compiz-enabled desktop of Linux is very eye-catchy; the rotating cube and the windows minimized in a ball of fire. Your mark might get allured by it and may ask you questions like 'How can I get it?' Your answer would lead him/her to use Linux as the primary operating system.

Fourth, give a Live CD to your mark. It is time to let them enjoy its features. If you don't provide a CD, your mark might feel frustrated and get back to Windows. Let them become aware of the Linux desktop with this CD. They can play with it as a toy and yet help you achieve your goal.

Fifth, help your mark install this operating system. It is very important that you should be around during the initial setup. Help them understand that they can use the dual-booth while keeping their Windows partition intact.

Sixth, help him/her through the first boot. Make them find their own answers but be available.

Seventh, be available for a few days to sort out problems. Of course there will be issues and your presence will help them get to the solutions sooner.

Eighth, try to make the user self-sufficient. In the second week teach other ways of finding solutions associated with Linux. Ninth, taste success. Your mark probably would have started loving Linux and you can feel succeeded, if there is no complain and he/she is sticking to it.

Tenth, repeat the above steps. As you have succeeded in one case, you should try a second time - to convert a Windows user to Linux.

Summary: It could be a difficult task to convert a Microsoft Windows user to Linux, if one does not know the procedure. Following a well planned process might help in achieving the goal. One has to be patient. Right from picking up the right candidate to initiating him/her to a new operating system ' one has to be very careful!