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Moving from Linux to Windows Desktop?

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the mitigating-the-pain dept.

slyall asks: "I work in the Network/System Admin team for an ISP. Our firm was recently bought by another company that has mandated that my team's desktops be switched over from Linux to Windows XP in the next few weeks. Some of us are have used Linux almost exclusively and going to Windows is a big change. Can people suggest any tips, books or websites to help Linux people shoved into the Windows world (especially those running lots of Linux and Cisco boxes)? We've all got years of experience on Linux but running Windows day to day is a big challenge. We don't yet know if the company will provide us with tools such as Cygwin or Windows Services for UNIX but we won't be allowed to install random programs and may not have admin access. We're not happy with the change but we're unable to stop it. What we are hoping to do is reduce the performance hit that the changeover is going to cause." This is probably one of those situations where a LiveCD-based distribution, for use in an emergency, might help.

9 of 167 comments (clear)

  1. My Book Recommendation by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny


    I recommend this excellent title.

    Think of it as a "howto" for your specific needs.

    It actually contains some excellent humor, espescially considering the subject matter.

    *posted anonymously for obvious reasons*

  2. All you need... by Red+Pointy+Tail · · Score: 4, Funny

    ...is this book.

    But don't worry, I shall be praying for you as well!

  3. All you need by Piquan · · Score: 4, Funny

    You can find what you need at monster.com.

  4. One word: by El · · Score: 3, Funny

    Lobotomy. Yeah, you don't need one to move from Linux to Windows... but it helps.

    --

    "Freedom means freedom for everybody" -- Dick Cheney

  5. Re:Quit. by Gyler+St.+James · · Score: 5, Funny

    Don't listen to him. He just wants your job before it's shipped overseas. :D BTW, when you quit, where can I send my resume?

    --

  6. Re:Quit. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    No, really. If they're obligating you to change it's because they're morons and don't deserve having you as an employee...

    I couldn't have said it better myself. In this economy there's plenty of opportunities for programmers who tell management to fuck off over important issues like which OS you can use.

    Oh wait...

  7. Gotta be said... by p4ul13 · · Score: 3, Funny
    You're asking for advice on /. as to how to switch from Linux to MS Windows?

    All together now:
    You're new around here aren't you?

    =)

    --
    Paul Lenhart writes words!
  8. Try this by $exyNerdie · · Score: 3, Funny


    We've all got years of experience on Linux but running Windows day to day is a big challenge

    I got a sweet deal for you. My 68 year old grandma has been using Windows XP for a while and she is pretty good at it. She might give you many useful tips and tricks because when she started a year ago on computers, it took her a long 1 week to get comfortable on Windows XP. Anyway, if you want to find out how she did it, just call her (303-607-7527). She loves to talk to people. She is home all day bored. Caveat: She is in Denver and her number might be long distance for you and once she gets started talking, there is no stopping her!

  9. Acclimatisation by kinnell · · Score: 3, Funny

    You could start to acclimatise your coworkers by walking around pulling out they're power cords at random intervals while they're trying to do important work. That way when windows is rolled out, they'll appreciate the helpful blue message that tells them they're fscked, rather than just a blank screen.

    --
    If I seem short sighted, it is because I stand on the shoulders of midgets