Microsoft Windows remains the dominant desktop operating system with approximately 90% of the client operating system market. If Microsoft's monopoly is ever going to be challenged by Linux, there has to be an easy way for Windows' users to be able to learn about this rival operating system.

I have been watching Linux for years, but it has never been my main operating system, Windows and Mac do dominate my life, but I feel a change is starting to come. In my mind Mac OS X is still the operating system to beat and Windows is a long way from catching up. Linux on the other hand is getting closer with every release.

A Windows user who wants to evaluate Linux, or any other alternative operating system, on their current system has a large number of options. In this article, we will look at those options for the busy Windows user who is evaluating Linux, wants to use open source applications, but doesn't want to lose access to their Windows system.

Taking baby steps to become more familiar with a new operating system can be as simple as revamping the OS already in use on your computer. It begins with unlearning Windows-born behavior to free up your mind for a new way of doing things. Here are some tips on utilizing different open source resources to make the goal of a full time switch over to Linux a lasting one

This tip explains how server virtualization will benefit Linux and Unix operating system adoption but will most likely harm Windows Server adoption by relieving the one-operating-system-to-one-server modus operandi. You'll review the drawbacks of using Windows operating systems and the rewards that virtualization offers to not only IT architects but end-users and application vendors and learn how these factors will combine and affect the current use of Linux, Unix and Windows operating systems.

Operating systems seem to have received more attention these days than they have ever before, and while there are numerous available discussion points, in relation to new versions of these operating systems, one of the biggest trends that has been fascinating to watch is how people are switching operating systems like crazy.

Before we start our journey to Linux land there is one question you need to ask yourself: why do YOU want to switch from Windows to Linux? What do you expect Linux to achieve? You don't want to spend the time and effort learning about Linux just to realize that changing your operating system to Linux does not solve the problem you have or does not deliver the benefits you expected.

For many users, getting started with Linux is surprisingly easy. New, friendlier versions of the free operating system, such as Fedora and Ubuntu, feature straightforward menus and automated installations that make switching from Windows to Linux a relatively simple process.

When switching from Windows to a more secured Linux operating system, you may come up with many difficulties.