the need for open source migration

"Powell Doctrine", named after General Colin Powell, then the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of US, says the US should only go to war...

...if there is a clear attainable objective and if there is an exit strategy to avoid endless entanglement and if the government is ready to use overwhelming force to complete the mission quickly.

Certainly migrating to open source is not like going to war. It is different, somewhat! But it helps explain this idea.

You can migrate to Linux on a home PC successfully...

...if you have a demonstrable benefit and if you do some prep work and if you go in with realistic expectations.

Linux is not for everybody!

I am putting on my Product Management hat and listing the benefits from the users' point of view.

Clear and present benefit

Let me address only the home PC user here. Linux is for you, if

1. You are assembling a PC from a kit or a bare bones PC and find that Microsoft Windows and Office is expensive.
2. You want to buy a netbook or even a budget PC and you find that Microsoft Windows and Office is expensive.
3. You want to convert your dual-monitor PC or laptop into a dual-station PC.
4. You have an older PC that doesn't have enough resources for Windows Vista or 7.
5. You are a techie and you have decided to switch to Linux.
6. You want to avoid pirated software for legal or ethical reasons.
7. You like open source and you are motivated to migrate to Linux

You have what a Product Manager would call, 'a strong business case'.

Scout Motto: "Be Prepared"

1. Almost all of the open source applications can run on Windows. You should try out the open source web browser and the office application and any other application that you use a lot.
2. Test drive Linux using one of the following ways:
3. By booting from the Live CD, you can test drive Linux without going through an install. However, this will run somewhat slower than the installed version. You will get familiar with the new system and also test hardware compatibility and driver support.
4. Another way of test driving Linux before taking the plunge is to install it as a Windows application. This allows you to avoid making big changes to your system. Also you can uninstall this safely.

Also be prepared to do the following or have access to someone who can help you with these:

1. Find the right web site for support and search for answers and post questions.
2. Search for and download drivers.
3. Open a terminal in Linux and run commands, if needed. You can try this out when you do the test drive

Look before you leap

You can download Linux and applications free of charge. But, keep a small budget to make your transition successful.

1. You may have to pay for software in a CD/DVD.
2. If you need printed manuals, you have to pay.
3. If you need phone or email support, you will have to pay a small fee.
4. If you must have an application that only runs on Windows you may have to buy a connecting software at a modest price.

Take the low risk path, if you can
Even after you have done all of the above, if you have a functioning Windows PC, I recommend installing Linux in dual boot mode, to minimize risk. This way, if you run into an issue on Linux, you will be able to fall back on Windows, until you get that resolved.

Ashok shows home PC users how to successfully migrate to Linux by writing articles about applying Product Management concepts to open source software and related topics.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ashok_Asokan

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