Migrating to Ubuntu



Part I: Premigration

Before the migration process, back up all the data on an external hard disk:

I. Files/folders: Save all your documents (check for hidden files and folders) into one folder and back up the same on an external hard disk.

II. Mail data: If you are on outlook/outlook express, transfer the data (mails, address book, etc) to mozilla thunderbird.

How to transfer data to Mozilla thunderbird? Click here for the procedure.

The thunderbird will create a profile folder on C Drive. Path:Documents/Settings/user/application data/thunderbird/profile). To trace the exact profile path: Go to Tools on thunderbird. Go to Account settings - click on server settings/Local Folder(you see the folder with some random numbers) . Back up this data(profile folder) on an external hard drive. (Note: ensure that the original and the backedup folders are of the same size)

III. Picasa back up (if you use): Open application - Go to tools - create back up and save it on external hard disk.

 

Part II: The Migration

Insert Ubuntu installation CD

Restart machine

(If the machine does not boot from the cd, Changes to the BIOS Setup has to be made. Please do this under technical supervision)

Follow the steps:

      1. Default language option – English. Click forward

      2. Click on the India part of the map to set time. (the time might still look out of place. But don't worry it will be set right on restarting) Click Forward

      3. Key board layout – USA

      4. Prepare disk space: Select Erase and use the entire disk option.

      5. Fill in the login details. Click forward

      6. Click Install

      7. Restart the computer when you see the installation complete message. CD is ejected automatically. Press Enter. 

Part III: System set up
Configuring wireless network:

Go to Network manager. (you see the symbol on the right side of the top panel) Enter the Network key for the corresponding Network. Click connect.

Configuring thunderbird:

Insert the external hard disk where in you have saved the files. Copy the thunderbird back up file (.default). Go to places (on the top panel) click on Home, click ctrl H to see all the files. Click on mozilla thunderbird paste the profile back up.

Launch the thunderbird application, Do not import. Click on Next and set the mail server details. Once done. Click on edit Account settings -> server settings -> browse -> mozilla – profile folder (this will show the mail folder) click on it ->open and ok