OK, you’ve had it with Windows Tech Support and you’re thinking of changing operating systems to something like Google Chrome OS or Ubuntu. You should think long and hard before you do this because changing your operating system is a lot more hassle than you think.

The first and biggest obstacle that you will probably face is this one: most programs were designed for working on one operating system. They will simply not work on most other operating systems. This probably includes a lot of programs that you use everyday, such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. There are alternatives to these available, but they may not be compatible with the existing documents others use.

Compatibility Issues

For example, documents created on something other than Word may not be compatible with Word. Therefore, you might have to cut and paste text into the document or save it. Google Docs do seem to work, but others may not.

If I haven’t scared you off, it is time to tell you what you will need to change your OS. You can eliminate a lot of the hardships with a little careful preparation and common sense.

First, make sure that you have the install CDs for all the major programs that you use. If you don’t have these, make a backup of each of these programs on a CD or a flash drive. If you’re smart, make two

backups because it will make life a lot easier. You have to do this because programs do not automatically switch from one operating system to another.

Definitely make sure you have a backup of Microsoft Office (which includes Word and Excel) because you will have to reinstall them on your new operating system. You will have to reinstall Microsoft Office when you set up the new OS. If you depend on Office for

your business, it might be a good idea to buy a copy of it; you can find recent versions of it for sale online for under $100.

You May Need Hardware Assisted Virtualization

Now for the bad news: a lot of older programs may not work on newer operating systems. This includes a lot of proprietary programs such as applications designed for one particular business. Many of these were designed for Windows XP and will only work on it. It also includes games, and possibly some older applications.

The only way you will be able to use these is to operate them in Hardware Assisted Virtualization. This feature lets you set up a second operating system to run certain programs. Unfortunately, it is generally only available on late model computers that have chips built for it. A lot of older systems cannot do this.

It is possible to run Windows XP and Windows 7 programs in Ubuntu, but you should make sure they will run on your Ubuntu before you make the switch. Another cheap low-tech method of running a second program is to simply have another computer with Windows as the operating system. You could buy an old clunker computer from a used computer store (systems can cost less than $200) or put it on your laptop.

Take a Look at Your Equipment

Something else to consider is your DSL connection; Ubuntu works best with relatively fast DSL connections. It may not work with wireless, satellite, or cheaper phone connections. Most geeks recommend that you have a continuous connection that provides several megs a second. Some versions of Ubuntu also require you to have a standalone ISP connection through an etherport. Wireless connections might work for this, but I wouldn’t count on it.

Finally, make sure you have a good copy of Ubuntu on a good disk or a flash drive. Download it on a good computer with a good fast DSL connection. Make sure you get it all, and always use a blank disk if you use a CD. If there is anything on the CD, the transfer will not work.

Ask a Geek for Help

Another really good suggestion would be to get some help with your change of OS. If you know a geek who knows what he’s doing, ask for his help. Lure him over to your house with offers of free beer or a steak dinner so he will be there when you change things over. Better yet, find a geek who has actually changed OSes before. This may not be the IT guy where you work; ask around, there are more geeks than you think.

Don’t assume that the IT guy where you work knows what he is doing. Not every IT guy is a competent geek, and a lot of them are only familiar with Microsoft. If the geek says the word Apple and suggests you should get one, throw him out. He is not a real geek and doesn’t know the first thing about computers. Real geeks think Apples belong in pies, not on your desk.

Finally, don’t be afraid; changing an OS sounds hard and it can be a lot of work, but you can do it. Be prepared to spend several hours or days doing it and to do it over more than once. You may need to do the change two or three times before you actually get it to work.

Of course, like a lot of us who have played around with other operating systems, you might decide that it is not the hassle and stick with Windows. After all, it actually works, and despite what Apple zombies claim, it will meet most of your needs.