Talk:Switching to Linux
From Grokdoc
The only thing holding me back is a way to run Quicken and QuickBooks on Linux. No, I'm not looking to switch to another program; I've tried to import over a decade of data into stuff like MoneyDance and GNUCash, and that just doesn't work. And I don't have time to start from scratch.
Wine is pretty close. But it's not there yet. And I don't want to run Win4Lin or VMWare; I just don't want to have Microsoft code anywhere on my machine anymore.
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Some versions of Quicken and QuickBooks Pro are supported in CrossOver Office - http://www.codeweavers.com/site/compatibility/browse/company/?company__curPos=200;company_id=5
Quicken and QuickBooks and Visio, oh my! (on Linux, that is) http://www.desktoplinux.com/articles/AT2282537026.html
Another option is that you can export your Quicken data to a set of text files and move them into a program such as SQL-Ledger. If you determine that SQL-Ledger meets the needs of your buisness, you can even pay the developer to import the text files!
Ldtp the LINUX desktop testing program.
This is a link to info on Ldtp the LINUX desktop testing program. Seem directly releated to me. http://www.gnomebangalore.org/uploads/ldtp/index.html Dennis
Still Difficult to use Linux Server for a Small Office
I spent considerable time researching and testing Red Hat Linux 9 and Fedora Core1 to see if it would run a small business server in my office. After many hours and much effort, I never could find affordable features that I need for our office. Some of my biggest problems were (1) no shared fax service that Windows workstations can access (2) no affordable groupware application compatible with Outlook to run a company calendar, and shared folders, and (3) Samba is a great app. but it was very frustrating for me to try to use it as a PDC.
The typical user needs guidance, not a list of replacements
Lists of replacement apps do not really help the typical user. For example, there are about 10 different replacements listed for MS Office components. The user needs to be guided to just one. If he/she doesn't like it, there will be a reason, and another alternative might be suggested based on that feedback. But the initial recommendation should be for just one app.
When choosing the app to recommend, a mature app, with few user-visible bugs, should be picked. This may eliminate many promising programs which are still developing; for example, I'd cross Dia off the Visio replacement list for this reason, even though I feel it may one day be the replacement of choice. What we are doing here should not be based on which free apps we "support" or advocate. It should be based on what a typical Windows user will be comfortable with, and will not have a negative experience with. Religious wars between rival free programs should be fought (if at all) among ourselves, not over users we hope to convert.
Linux conversion - what about Largo Florida?
I recall that the City of Largo, FL made the big switch over a year ago. Perhaps you could get something from them to post on the Switching to Linux page.
As I recall, they were using two linux hosts and accessing them with a mix of X-terms and old PC's running Xterm emulation software.
I haven't heard much lately.
Hardware vendors
Removed from section "Hardware Vendors": "You can find Linspire systems at some large retailers." Reason: Not appropriate for section. Grouch 07:04, 31 August 2008 (EDT)
