How To: Convert Windows Users to Ubuntu

There is a lot of drama when a newbie ubuntu user tries to convert some windows user. Here are some tips for them -

 

First of all dont push anyone that Ubuntu is the cure for all modern computer woes. The ENTIRE time, first you might say "Ubuntu MIGHT work for you" and "I THINK Ubuntu can meet your needs." Nothing is worse than faulty promises.

If you are reading this document, you are probably an excited Ubuntu user that is ready to convert the world to your new favorite OS. What you must realize is that you must act wisely. A bad conversion can sour someone to Linux for the rest of their life, and harm the overall image of Ubuntu and its community. The first step is to honestly evaluate whose life you can actually improve with Ubuntu. Here are

some examples of people who are most likely to be converted (given by the "poofyhairyguy" in ubuntu forums)

Category A:

Someone who is very new to computers. Despite of the fact that people say that linux is harder to use, in fact the "Ubuntu" operating system is much more easier to start learning to operate a computer! It is true,In many ways the most basic

computer users have the most to benefit from it. A person that does little more on their computer than make office documents, burn a few CDs, play small and simple card and puzzle games, browse the internet, download programs, plays video, chat with someone on AIM can use Ubuntu will little problems after it is set up properly for them. As a plus point these users won't have to worry about Viruses or Spyware (which they often have trouble controlling) and they don't

have to invest lots of money on software for something that is little more than a tool to them. You can guess it from the point of view that a new computer user who used ubuntu as his/her first OS shall say -"installing a program in Windows differ from program to program" well its true!!.

Category B: 

Someone with lots of computer experience In this category I am mostly talking about myself and maybe yourself- "nerds". Anyone that likes to customize their desktop, play on the command line or play with source code needs to be introduced to Ubuntu. These people are the easiest to convert. It is also very very

important to reach them because then they can also help spread the word of ubuntu. Above groups are most likely to be converted( but not always! ). Still you should first try to figure out what category does he fall??

If some one is none of it then he is 

Category C.

The converters disaster!

If you figure out that the one you are trying is not very much little in Windows use and can protect himself from viruses. "Know how to work" but "do not know how things work". They know how to install drivers but only from a driver CD! or even have the experience of cracking software by only clicking next, next, next - finish and it is done! A suggestion is that-" Just give these sorts of people a Live CD and

let them decide for themselves".PLEASE don't push it on them or you might do great harm to the image of the community.

Other groups to watch out for:

1. People that like to use webcams- Ubuntu isn't the best with

webcams. Just give them a Live CD.

2. People that mostly use their computer for one program that you know doesn't have a good equivalent in Ubuntu. Just give them a Live CD unless you KNOW) that WINE can make them happy and YOU are willing to set that up for them.

3. People that use wireless networking. Please wait until a better, easier way to use ndiswrapper rolls around for these people.

4. People that love Microsoft and Bill Gates. Stay away from them its a virus!!.

Biggest Advantages of Ubuntu

When you are trying to convert someone to Ubuntu, you need to tell
them the advantages.

1. No viruses or Malware/Spyware

2. Is free (in cost). Upgrades will always be free.

3. Allows you access to thousands of free programs. When mentioning this, remind the user that by default Windows lacks many thing (a decent CD burner, anti-virus software, an image manipulation program,and of course the office software) that often people pay hundreds of dollars for. Tell them that in Ubuntu, all of this stuff is free and included in the CD!

4. You have to be there to help them convert (and "YOU" are willing to help dont just leave it to the "ONE" who converted you unless you are not there yet and the ONE is also willing to help him).

5. Ubuntu has an awesome community that is ready to help let the converted know about it. It would the biggest help for both of you.

When you try to convert people from Windows, the large differences between Windows and Ubuntu will often give birth to harmful misconceptions that can ruin a person's Linux experience.

One thing to remember when dealing with ignorance towards Linux and
Ubuntu -

   * Keep calm.
   * Explain your point without passion if you can. Rely on the strength of your arguments, rather than your personal persuasiveness. This helps representing "Linux People" as moderate sensible people who are just trying to help the world.
   * Do not ever try to advertise too much. It might make a big difference.

Finally the most common misconceptions about Ubuntu:

Misconception 1: "Ubuntu is free right? Anything free can't be that good"

This a common mistake- the idea that the price of something determines its worth. Explain that "air is free, and love is free and all of those are good aren't they?"

Misconpetion 2: "Windows is the most popular OS correct? That must

mean its better"

The essential fallacy here is that popularity means that something is better. For this one I think examples work best. Ask the person "does that mean that McDonalds has the best food in the world just because it's the most popular restaurant in the world?" (most sane people will say no). Then proceed to explain to them that Linux on the desktop is a relatively new thing, and Windows dominance has more to do with its age and its past that what state it currently is it. In fact, stroke their ego a little and say "I'm giving you the chance to get in on this Linux thing before it gets big. You get to enjoy a better computer experience before the rest of the world –who doesn't know people like me- can catch up. Doesn't that sound cool?"

Misconception 3: "Linux is hard to use"

This one is the worst, buts its also the easiest to solve. Explain to them that Linux CAN be hard to use, but it doesn't have to be. Explain that Motorola uses Linux, and it would be foolish for them to sell a cell phone that is hard to use. Also tell them "Google uses Linux, and their site is easy to use- isn't it?" Admit to them that

there are some things that are kinda difficult about using Ubuntu

Misconception 4: "Isn't Ubuntu open source software? Doesn't that mean that anyone can add code to it or see its code? How do I know I'm safe if that's the case?"

This is a good one. First of all explain to them that yes, Ubuntu is open source software, but that does not make it less safe. Windows is closed source software and it has tons of security problems. Ask them "when you think someone is more likely to commit a crime, when no one is watching or when lots of people are watching?" When they give you the logical answer then tell them it's the same with software. In fact, since they get their software from a single, trusted source (the repository….but you don't have to use those terms or explain what that

is) then it is almost IMPOSSIBLE for Spyware to get onto their computer.

Misconception 5: "If Ubuntu becomes as popular as Windows, won't ithave security problems as well?"

This one rages on INSIDE the nerd community. On this point, I would say what I said in the point above plus this: Ubuntu by default is designed to be more secure than Windows. They way it uses true multi user settings (the sudo thing) so that NOTHING can be installed without their consent.

How to Actually Do the Conversion

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Once you have someone sold on Ubuntu, its time to do theconversion. But be careful during this part. Be sure to say that "I'mnot positive that currently all of your hardware will work withUbuntu. I hope it does- and if it doesn't and you still want Ubuntu I can help you pick out hardware that WILL work- but there is a way I can test before I do anything major to you computer. "

Then proceed to boot the Live CD. Make sure Video, Sound, and mousesand whatever work. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT STEP! If something doesn'twork tell them "Ubuntu is a very new OS, so currently it does not workwith all hardware. Neither does Windows honestly (Apple hardwareanyone?). So lets keep you with Windows for now, I'll show you somecool OSS software that is also in Ubuntu (OpenOffice, Firefox) and later we can try to switch you again!"

Then if all of their hardware work…YOU install it. YOU go through theinstallation. If you know they would get freaked out by the scrolling lines part, don't let them watch. YOU install Java. YOU install Media Codecs. You install Totem-xine. YOU install mplayer and the Mozilla pluggin that gets it to play movies inside the browser like people are used to. YOU go down the Ubuntu guide and mount their NTFS drive andget them all the software they need at first. If YOU know they would hate how it boots, install splashy. If they have some hardware that needs some command line work (ndiswrapper), YOU do it.""

If YOU are not willing to do this, then please….DON'T TRY TO CONVERT PEOPLE! You will only hurt the image of the community! This is the true test of your commitment. I know it takes some time. But think to yourself- how much do I really care that they use Ubuntu? If its enough, then do the footwork. DON'T LEAVE IT UP TO THEM IF THERE IS EVEN A SMALL CHANCE IT MIGHT SEEM INFERIOR TO THEM!!!!!