If you’re planning to use Linux, you have to first start considering the hardware you have. There are certain known devices which seem to be problematic when it comes to working with Linux.

For laptop users, you could check out Linux on Laptops. They are sorted by brand. You could also look at TuxMobil so that you have other ideas when it comes to laptops. I am not sure how deep the coverage is of both sites, but there’s pretty much a lot of information in both of them. Again, the lists are grouped according to manufacturer. You could also look at the information available on the various user forums and wikis. For Ubuntu users, there’s the Ubuntu Laptop Testing team wiki. If you want to know if your laptop is compatible with OpenSuse, they also have a list of laptop compatibility for OpenSuse.

Some distros also have a list of compatible devices. You could check them out if there are devices that you rely on and would need them badly.

• OpenSuse Hardware Compatibility List
• UbuntuHCL - Comprehensive Ubuntu Hardware Database
• Linux Compatible
• Linux Drivers

The last two items on the list are links to general hardware compatibility guides unlike the first two ones. But the Linux Drivers website actually gives more links to other hardware compatibility guides.

As for packages, each distro has a basic set of packages. Packages for a desktop environment, an office suite, media players, image tools, etc. But I suppose that it won’t hurt to install Gnome-do (a nice launcher of apps), unrar (for extracting archives in the RAR format, postr (a file uploader for Flickr users which has a nice integration with Nautilus), Workrave (to make sure you get breaks at work). But the only way you could figure out what packages to install is by listing down what tasks you always do.

Other than these hardware and software checking, you need to psych yourself up that Linux is totally different from Windows and it has its own set of pros and cons.

Here’s an awesome tip I got today:

On the old computer, run dpkg –get-selections >> packages.list. Get the new computer online and install dselect (yeah, it’s not part of dpkg anymore). Copy the packages.list to your new computer. Then run sudo dpkg –set-selections < < packages.list. Finally, run sudo dselect and choose Install. (Oh the fun of migrating data)

Thanks, Ubuntu Linux tips and tricks! I often forget what other software I install apart from the defaults and my usual ones, this is especially true for the apps that I installed for the heck of it or for other people. I’ve had problems about configuration files complaining to me about not finding files or the app, etc. This would solve it! But, folks, please note that this tip only works for those that came from the repos, not the ones that you just downloaded over the internet or installed from source. So it’s still better to note those other things, ok?

I wish I knew about this earlier. It surely would have saved me from headaches of trying to remember things I installed or not having an application I need. (This is especially bad when I have limited or no internet access.)

If you have other similar tips when migrating data, please feel free to share them here!

My take on the topic How not to be a Linux evangelist but this one in the context of migration:

• Don’t change the operating system on the computers without warning. You might incur the wrath of the users. Give them ample time to back up their data, as well as learn something about the new OS.
• Don’t leave your sys ad alone in doing the migration process. What I mean here is that there should be enough coordination between the sys ad, management and human resources so that you could come up with a good migration strategy. The said parties might have specific concerns. As such you need to find ways to make the transition easier. It would be great if you could create a tech support team for that transition stage. It could be a small group of early adopters or users who are already familiar with the OS.
• Don’t leave the users hanging. Especially when they need help. When they get frustrated, the more resistance you will receive from them. However, don’t treat them like babies either or they will be too dependent on you. Your team of sys ads and tech support will not be able to handle it if you do that.
• Don’t force the users without even the slightest training. I think this will cause more headache for you. And less productivity.
• Don’t do the migration without any plans. If you have a really big organization, you’d probably have to divide the migration process into phases.

Some of these items I learned the hard way, through experience. Some are from the experiences of other people around me.

Got any tips to share? Just post them in the comments section.

If you’ve been wondering how to make the switch, you have to remember these things:

• Not all operating systems and applications are the same. One dilemma of people who switch is familiarity with it. Don’t expect it to be totally the same as Windows, Mac, or whatever you’re coming from. The bundled applications on Linux distributions are not the same either. And one could say it’s a good thing because you could have a variety of experiences before sticking with one distro. Besides, the application is probably in a repository.
• You have to learn new things. If you’re moving to a new house, you have a new layout, new ways to work with things. Relax and take it easy. One of the things that surprised me when I first used a Linux distro was the presence of virtual desktops. They’re usually those small rectangular spaces on the panel. They help you manage your desktop. Another example of new thing that new users would usually see is the package manager. It would help you install and uninstall applications as you see fit.
• There’s a community out there and you could ask questions. You could also post them here. I may not be always ready to help you with your questions but if I can’t answer it, someone else might. Just leave a comment and watch the topic. And you could also watch the other community forums for specific stuff.

I do hope that these points help you prepare for making the big switch.