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Tip # 4 -- Introduce new software in non-forceful way

Another tip that will save you some headaches is introducing new FOSS (Free and Open Source) software as something new to try out when things are slow around the office. This generally yields far better results that forcing it down the user's throats as they are already dealing with a switch from Windows to Linux. Anxiety is already running high, so showing off what an application can do often times will leave the user curious enough to try it for themselves.

Based on my experience doing this, two things will happen. Some people will switch or ask to be switched to the applications as they run faster in a native environment. On the flip side however, others will be so turned off by the differences the apps present in contrast to their close source alternatives that using CrossOver Office to execute their proprietary apps will not bother these users in the slightest. After all, they are just happy knowing that they are still able to use their beloved MS Word software!

By introducing new software in this manner, you are able to help users in your office discover new software or at worst, completely forget about their reluctance to using the new desktop, as they are just happy to have their familiar software. Either way, you win.

Tip # 5 -- Lock down the computers

For some offices, there is software in place that prevents users from installing and using unauthorized software without the OK from management. In general, most of the time you will do fine just making sure that settings are not being changed by those who might end up creating problems without a full understand of the new desktop environment.

Should your office be such a place, then I would encourage the use of either Pessulus (GNOME users) or the Kiosk Admin Tool (KDE users). With either application, the administrator will be able to lock down the office computers so that employees can concentrate on working, rather than trying to enable the latest Linux 3D effects or installing a copy of SuperTux. For locking out additional items not found in either of the two programs above, the administrator can also take control from the user groups.

As for taking control over protecting your network and doing so without any help from Windows, I would suggest looking into Untangle. Everything from OpenVPN to Web Content filtering is made available -- free of charge.

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