This page will guide you through steps to research linux options and begin to parallely use or convert to Linux.

  1. Research linux and opensource software and understand how it is developed and funded.

  2. Outline a path to test linux and open source software.

    • Boot your existing machine to a USB with Linux live ISOs.
      • Benefits
        •  No changes to your windows machine.
        • Easy to setup on a USB drive, prefered to be a 120 GIG or above to allow for ISOs
        • Can load multiple ISOs (file that contains Operating Systems)
      • Cons
        • Will revert to default settings each time it loads. IE cannot load software and utilize next time you boot to the operating system
        • Can be a little slower response due to USB device speed.
      • Ventoy ISO manager
      • Video Link: Ventoy Install Video
    • Create a linux virtual Machine using VMWare wokstation
      • Benefits
        • Can install software and utilize the same as if loaded on physical machine
      • Cons
        • Takes up hard drive space on your existing machine.
        • Only works if your system can handle virtulization
      • Create a Linux virtual machine with VMware

  3. Install Open Source Software: 

    • Use the below options to find and install opensource software. Software install process is same for OS running on hardware or virtual machine. Use these install options to get a list of your required open source software.
    • Software centers:
      • Linux distributions has software stores where you can download software similar to iPhone and Android stores.  Depending on your software sources the software can be installed into the system directly from repositories or more sandbox option
    • Software Source Options:
      • Flatpack: A utility for software deployment and package management on Linux that allows applications to run in a sandboxed environment, providing isolation from the rest of the system.  And can be installed via the distribution application store.
      • Snap: Similar to Flatpack however developed by Conical for Ubuntu and can be specified Ubuntu.
      • Appimage:  This is a standalone application that can be launched by launching and similar to a standalone .exe on Windows.Software install Options Overview
    • Package Managers:

      • This application allows for software installs as well as review installed applications and resolve conflicts. Example on Debian based systems is Synaptic package manager.

  4. Install Linux on Hardware
    • Once you have set on the Linux distribution and needed Linux capable software you can load Linux directly onto your Laptop or Desktop. If looking to purchase a new system you can purchase a laptop or desktop with Linux installed.
  5. Use options to setup windows / Windows Software for specific needs:
    • You can utilize a few options on Linux to run Windows /  windows applications for those specific needs or applications that you cannot find a Linux alternative. 
      • Virtual machine options
      • WINE
        • Requires a lot of setup and numerous programs do not work on WINE.
      • Dual Boot:
        • It is not advisable to dual boot as Microsoft Windows 11 causes issues with dual boot especially on a single HDD/SSD. It is possible if multiple drives are installed however not guaranteed.
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