Migration to Libre Software

This will become a guide of sorts and a learning resource. It will leverage the pragmatics of "open source" though motivated by the philosophy of libre software.

On a personal level: desktop/laptop
So, you have decided that using libre software is the right thing to do. How?

If you are not ready to completely do away with your current non-free operating system, start by using libre software on your current operating system.

Collections and lists:


 * libre and open source Windows software
 * The OpenDisc
 * Please add ...

If you are ready to try a new operating system, it is probably easiest to start with one of the well supported distributions with usability as its primary focus :


 * Ubuntu
 * LinuxMint

If you would like to try a completely free/libre distro, the Free Software Foundation maintains a list:


 * Free GNU/Linux distributions

Personal migration stories:


 * Free Software Migration Experience: Kim Tucker and description of installing Ubuntu 11.10.
 * Please add ...

On an institutional level
You may be surprised to discover how much libre software is already in use within your organisation, especially on the server side. The migration process will depend on the nature of the institution/organisation and specific needs.

Here are some guidelines with principles which may apply in your context:


 * FLOSSMETRICS/OpenTTT guides (for SMEs)
 * Open Source Migration Guide
 * Implementation of Free Software Systems - a general guide to libre software deployment from the Free Technology Academy (also available in Spanish and Catalan).
 * Please add ...

and some software which may be useful:


 * Educational Free Software
 * Free Software Directory: Education
 * FLOSS for Education

Making educational resources accessible with libre software
This issue relates to file formats and the ability of files to be read/played and edited with libre software.


 * Media help at Wikimedia Commons
 * Upload media files in Free file formats and include links to help with file conversion.

Live Streaming
Live streaming and on-line realtime participation remains a challenge for WikiEducator, the OERF, OERu and related initiatives. So far, pure libre software users have not been able to participate in real time in events with live streaming on account of the services used. Please suggest suitable alternatives for this purpose:


 * Ekiga
 * BigBlueButton
 * VMukti
 * OpenMeetings