Migrating my Father from Windows to Ubuntu

Windows to Ubuntu Migration

Migrating my father's PC from Windows® Operating System to Ubuntu Desktop

I am currently experimenting some Ubuntu desktop probably for business use in the future, I tried to use it in my previous Internet Cafe several years ago but it failed because there are some games that do not run on it. Aside from the server side, I am looking for a target market on it.

My father is already a senior citizen and finally after all this years he has found some use with the PC, he is really addicted to it, but it is not the PC alone but more on the Internet, yes I am talking about Google which is his starting point, Gmail for E-mail messages, Facebook where he could talk and be updated with his old friends and relatives abroad, Youtube where he watches lot's of funny clips and movies, checking Google Maps before going to a place he has never been before and Geni, where he makes the Family tree online, OpenOffice for documents then finally Printing and Scanning documents using a Linux compatible all-in-one printer scanner.

So why fix a system that works, well, not totally... When my father still use a Windows XP OS, not being accustomed to using a computer safely, he would just click every pop up that comes out, as a result the PC is always infected with viruses, and I would do a re-format every 3 months because the system no longer boots which is maintenance headache.

So I decided to migrate his PC using Ubuntu like I do, I just made some desktop adjustment to look like a Windows XP desktop, he didn't know the difference anyway since he would just click icons on the desktop and use the Web Browser, Install and put an icon shortcut and bookmarks on websites he uses, and the process is simple that it is easier than a Windows Desktop. His Ubuntu desktop still stands 10.04 LTS (Sep 2009), its old but it works and does not crash and slowdown after all these years. I would say the migration is a success.


Here are the problems I encounter on most Windows to Ubuntu Migration:

Hard to Use

Many people complain as it is hard to use, I hear it all the time with people who are new to a computer or old Windows user.

For new computer user, yes the learning is hard but same with a Windows desktop, it is generally hard to understand the concept of mouse and desktop especially for older people than using a touch type devices.

For old Windows user, its not hard, its just they are not used to it. Ask them how long they have been using a Windows system and they tell you Years, while about an Ubuntu system?.. they tell you Hours, so its about getting used to, its not really hard.

Applications Compatibility

A lot of games and application does not work on a Ubuntu system.. Yes its true, because they are not made for it, when those application was made, it was for a Windows system, no need to force it or I will I recommend to use Wine. This is where target market differs, just leave people to use Windows desktop because they are dependent on application that runs on it, because I am looking for new emerging target markets which I found in Casual PC users, they are starting to be or already are the majority of tech users. Casual PC users just do documents and browse the internet and that's it!, which a totally free Ubuntu operating system can happily fulfill. Let us remember that a Windows® operating system is not free, you don't just download it like most people do like 77% of users here in the Philippines according to an old study.

So now that it works for new market casual users, the only problem now is how many people can actually assist the migration of their relatives casual internet users to Ubuntu and products that has a pre-installed Ubuntu desktop when they purchased their devices straight from the stores. Unlike in the mobile space where Android™ is dominating, when they purchase a mobile phone, its already pre-installed with an Android™ operating system, its easy to use and much cheaper than a desktop PC.

As of now I am thinking of selling pre-installed ubuntu computers on low-cost low-powered atom mini-pc with printer/scanner bundle. The software runs Ubuntu and configured the same way I did on my fathers desktop, which just works, all items is available on the desktop. Then probably offer fast accessible support since only few people has relatives which can teach them how to use Ubuntu desktop, probably their relatives would install a non-legit copy of Windows on it if not properly handled. This is one of my business plan I am developing, though I revealed it prematurely is because the business plan may be obsolete later on as mobile platform powered by Android™ will be the standard for casual users.

Like in the mobile world, its the Apps that rules, installing apps in an Ubuntu system is similar to it, It may be limited but its safe using its Software Center. In a Windows system, its Apps maybe its strong point but installing it is too easy and risky, that ease of software installation in Windows is the same reason why its a fragile system as viruses and spyware can easily be installed into the system without the user knowing it. So if you are a casual PC users, Ubuntu is the best for you. Probably try Linux Mint if you want a complete system out of the box, Linux mint is based on Ubuntu except that they pre-installed everything like codecs and software that would make your life easier.

Aside from this, I need to be observant as a desktop PC trend is being limited to a workplace and hardcore gaming, I am not saying the PC desktop is dying, it is just that, a lot of people are going to use their Smartphones and Tablets to do their casual internet thing and they are a lot of them. Smartphone is getting cheaper and cheaper by the day and free WiFi is just everywhere.


 Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

Android, Google, Google Maps, Gmail, Youtube is a trademark of Google Inc.