[tlug] Slow Cautious Migration from Windows to Linux (was Replacing text in multiple files - under Windows)

[jep200404 <jep200404@example.com>]

Martin Killmann wrote:

> Maybe I should reserve some time next week, split the harddrive and get
> a real OS on the damn thing... See you next week in a thread called "how
> to get a Linux install below the radar of company IT"...

Here are some options. 

1. Use Windows version of GNU tools. 

   light and feeble: http://sourceforge.net/projects/unxutils/
   heavy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cygwin
   http://www.okisoft.co.jp/esc/utf8-cygwin/

2. Dual Boot. 

   You can install Linux on the hard drive as you mention. 
   You can also install on an external USB hard drive. 
   Other compromises include booting live CDs or flash drives. 

   The drawback is that you can run only one OS at a time. 
   Switching between the them is slow and extremely annoying. 

   Better to run both OSs at the same time. 

3. Install Linux as _application_ within Windows. (feeble VM)

   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CoLinux

   The last time I looked, it was feeble and not well maintained. 

4. Install Linux in a virtual machine within Windows. 

   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyper-V
   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VMware

5. Install Windows in a virtual machine within Linux. 

   There are plenty of virtual machines to choose from. 

   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_platform_virtual_machines

   If possible, one would use the existing installation of 
   Windows within a virtual machine. 

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The big slow cautious migration I would do would be: 

1. Split hard drive. 
2. Install virtualization friendly Linux in new partition or _drive_. 
3. Install Linux and Windows virtual machines within Linux within 
   that partition. 
4. If possible, use _existing_ installation of Windows 
   in virtual machine within Linux. 

BTW, be careful about doing things "below the radar of company IT". 
Best keep your chain of command informed.