Q&A for How to Move from Windows to Linux

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

Are the formatting of files like .doc and .xls that I use for Windows Office such that I can save them on an ubuntu formatted drive?

Community Answer

Yes, you can save them with no problems on an ubuntu formatted drive, just like any other file. In ubuntu you can open these files with LibreOffice, which operated mostly like the equivalent Windows applications.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 12
Question

How do I move temporarily back to Windows from Linux?

Community Answer

If you install Linux and Windows side-by-side as the article explains, then you can just choose during booting which operating system you want to start.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 18
Question

I have been using Windows since the 1980's, but do not need it anymore. I would like to convert to Linux, but I don't want to lose all the files I have on the hard drive.

Community Answer

You can have Linux and Windows on the same computer, or you could save the files you want to keep onto external storage, or you could just have multiple computers.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 6 Helpful 19
Question

How would I know if I need 32bit or 64bit Linux?

Community Answer

Because 32bit will run on either 32bit or 64bit machines it's a safe bet to start. Also, 64bit only really becomes useful if you have more than 4gb of RAM. If you are already running windows on your machine you can open 'system information' (just type it in the search box if you're not sure how to find it otherwise). Beside 'system type' it will either say x64 or x86 based system. x64 is 64bit and x86 is 32bit.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 10
Question

If I try Linux and still use Google as my search engine, is my data safe?

Community Answer

Google might not do something bad to your computer, but you can always switch to other search engines, e.g. DuckDuckGo, StartPage, etc.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 12 Helpful 21
Question

Will Linux be able to work with the hardware on my computer?

Community Answer

It depends on what kind of operating system you have (Windows or Mac).

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 46 Helpful 2
Question

I have 2 external hard drives (formatted for Windows) that I would like to format for Linux once I do the install. Is there a way to install Linux, format one of the drives, then copy the files over?

Community Answer

You can choose to format the drive when installing the Linux distribution. Save files you want to keep on the other drive first.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
Question

Community Answer

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 17 Helpful 2
Question

I have Windows 10 OS and I want to switch in Ubuntu and do not want to make my laptop dual boot so which steps I prefer?

Somone

Community Answer

In order to change completely to Ubuntu, just select the "Erase Disk and install Ubuntu" option in the Installation Type menu.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 7
Question

I don't like to stop using the Office apps like .docx and stuff. Is there a way to keep using those (and possibly for free)? Or will I have to change to different editors and/or programs?

Somone

Community Answer

You will change to the Libreoffice Program, which is compatible with all Microsoft Office files.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 6