Switching OS - Migration KDE for Windows? Any users?

jake108

jake108

jake108

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10 Nov 2010
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After a number of crazy activation problems with Windows 7 / some XP computers at a charity I do work for recently I've decided to gradually move some charities to Linux (Slowly by adopting the UI and then after a couple of months move to Linux).

In a nut shell we've had serious problems with computers suddenly being flagged as non-genuine. We have VLK from CTX (100% legit). All machines use the same key (XP & more recently 7), some still a genuine whilst others are now non-genuine with the same exact key! No idea how this has happened other than the MS Servers are glitched. Phoned, was polite, calm and then I was accused of being a software pirate though the MS Outsource centre (they sounded Irish)!

It all got worse after I phone Microsoft call centre (India) only to be told the keys we bought through CTX were not genuine and we would have to buy another license. :eek: The license came directly from Microsoft via CTX (Charity Exchange) but the person on the phone argued we were NOT a charity even though we have a registered charity number in the UK. They kept asking for a validation license number for the licensee (me) - I don't have one other than a piece of paper with a hologram stating the VLK in question.

I have accepted I will not be able to sort this with Microsoft as they seem incapable of validating a license we bought (and have no record of - even with the VLK ID no and centre no). What I would like to do is move them to KDE and Open Office for a couple of months so they can get used to the UI. Then jump to Linux.

Ultimately I am not a large IT admin with infinite resources; It's just me as IT. I used to be a field technician (titled engineer) and only have a few years experience with IT System Administration. Has anyone used KDE for Windows? I will be going to Linux as this whole experience has left a very sour taste in my mouth for Microsoft licensing. What is the best way to achieve this? Looking for your input cheers.
 
Its a common problem, just google removing no genuine message. Its basically an update that you can remove and then hide so it doesnt install again. Apparantly its always running as a proccess in the background and thats another reason why people get rid of it. It happend to a mate of mine on his genuine machine its a simple fix and works. Updates continue as normal and message goes away
 
I have never tried KDE for windows but from comments I have seen on linux forums it is unreliable and lags behind linux versions a lot. TBH I can't see the point of you trying it. I think you will have far fewer problems if you just go straight to linux and install kubuntu. What are your reasons for wanting to try KDE on wind first? If linux apps will do whatever it is your users need then it will be an ideal solution as being a charity you won't have to be spending money on MS licences.
 
and I third it...gnome has many ways to make it look and feel a lot like windows too, if you just move the close/expand etc. icons to the top right of the windows it makes a big difference
 
nope ubuntu has moved over to unity. I found kubuntu to be slower too....each to their own I guess, the more hardware you throw at it the quicker it becomes, just like windows
 
It's going to be a massive shock for the users - not just in using a new operating system but also essential applications (assuming you're using Microsoft Office, etc).

I certainly wouldn't want to do it. I'd definitely perservere more with Windows licencing you can try:

United Kingdom

Email us [email protected]
Call us on 0844 800 2400

Who should be able to transfer you to the relevant people.



M.
 
m4cc45 said:
It's going to be a massive shock for the users - not just in using a new operating system but also essential applications (assuming you're using Microsoft Office, etc).

I certainly wouldn't want to do it. I'd definitely perservere more with Windows licencing you can try:
Click to expand...
Completely agree - I do understand the frustration, and I've nothing against Linux in principle, but you'll be making an almighty rod for your own back.

There's no reason why MS shouldn't sort this out - if the software is legitimately purchased and licensed, then you have every right to use it unimpeded, and MS are potentially in breach of their own EULA by preventing you from doing so. It's not your fault that their activation process has apparently spat the dummy, and there's no justification for them leaving you out of pocket as a result, or adding insult to injury by accusing you of software piracy.

If necessary, you could even threaten legal action for breach of contract, although I suppose a charity might be reluctant to take MS on in court for obvious reasons. Still, it could be argued that they stand much more to lose than you, win or lose, and they might not be prepared to risk calling your bluff.

You've nothing to lose by keeping on at them, anyway. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. :)
 
Jay794 said:
Kubuntu is very laggy compared to Ubuntu, but isn't Ubuntu moving over to KDE anyway?
Click to expand...

There isn't any real difference these days. It used to be that one was more cpu dependent and the other was more ram dependent although I could never remember which way round it was. Xubuntu could be a lighter option if the computers struggle with k/ubuntu.

m4cc45 said:
It's going to be a massive shock for the users - not just in using a new operating system but also essential applications (assuming you're using Microsoft Office, etc).
Click to expand...

Just a bit of an exageration there :D Using Open Office or Libre Office as is now used by k/ubuntu is not very different to MS office. Office is the only app he mentions. If all they do is use office for basic letter writing and internet/email then it wouldn't be much of a change.

It is more a question of what apps and functions they really need and how complex their system is and whether the op has the linux knowledge to administer it.
 
Thank you all for the advice.

Yes it is just Microsoft Office, Filezilla (Exists in Linux) and Infopath.

Spoken to Microsoft again seems as if going no where fast again, I'll try that number you suggested thanks.
 
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