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Test drive Linux using RFB clients on Windows

In addition to "cold-turkey" or converting Windows desktops to thin clients, a lower-risk, richer approach is also available:

Use a RFB client (VNC) on Windows to allow users to "test drive" Linux on their own desktop (using xinetd.) This approach allows a user to see their environment from either (or both) view(s). Overnight synchronization of user accounts from Windows to Linux would allow users to experiment in a "backup" world... It also allows "practice" user administration on the Linux server, as well as test confirmation of SAMBA configuration and other Linux permissions.

Just a thought.

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Thanks for the input. Using a thin-client setup to test a Linux installation is an excellent idea. I also like the idea of using virtual machines as a migration path as the follow-up step to your suggestion. Running a Windows-on-Linux setup to migrate applications also allows that level of comfort while learning the Linux OS (of course my favorite here is Win4Lin, www.win4lin.com). I am working on my book Windows to Linux Desktop Migration for Business Users due out this summer that describes in detail your suggestion as well as mine.

This was first published in January 2005

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