Linux Migration refers to a company switching over from a Windows based operating system to a Linux operating system. Although Windows and Linux perform similar functions their properties and benefits are different. The most common reasons that companies go through with a Linux Migration are: lower costs; better performance; a more stable platform; more control over the technology.

Linux	Windows
Linux can be described as being a Unix-type operating system. The system has been written and is distributed under the GNU General Public License. This means that its source code is freely-distributed and available to the general public.	Windows is the operating system from Microsoft. The Windows source code is proprietary. This implies that only Microsoft programmers can see it and work on it.

For the longtime Windows user, choosing a Linux distribution can be confusing. Microsoft, to their credit, makes choosing Windows very simple. It usually comes with the computer you buy, already installed. Linux, on the other hand, is fragmented into numerous "distributions". Most modern operating systems, which include Linux, are composed of two parts: a small central piece called the "kernel" and a larger piece that has the applications and drivers. Linux distributions have pretty much the same kernel, but differ in the applications they offer. As a crucial part of the Linux migration process, Xi Software undertakes a hardware compatibility test to ensure that all your hardware (graphics cards, ports, etc.) will operate smoothly with your new operating system. The next step is to Install the Linux Operating System and Opensource Software. For example the Microsoft Office equivalent in Opensource is a software package called Open Office. All Microsoft documents can be opened in Open Office and can be saved in common file formats such as"doc", "xls" and "ppt". Document migration allows you to move all documentation saved to your Windows system over to your new Linux system. Mail settings, address books, bookmarks too, can also be transfered.