Ready to setup your Linux Desktop? we are happy to help.
We are happy to assist you with setting up your new system. Whether you would like to setup a single Linux operating system on your computer or prefer to build a dual boot system (for example Linux alongside Windows) we can assist you with the process. We can also help you to install your favorite Linux applications if you need and assist with finding alternatives for your existing applications where possible to make the system ready to use.
Remote service
We provide all our services remotely, which means you will not need to ship your computer to us, in fact your system can be located anywhere in the world and all you need is a reliable internet connection so we can setup a remote access service. The time frame for the whole process may vary depend on your requested service but in most cases it will take 2 to 3 hours to complete. We will only need you to be available next to your system at the beginning of the process and when the system needs to be restarted (two times in the process). If you also need our assistance for application setup, then we will need you to be attended to your computer at the end of the installation process.
Our Services
- DUAL BOOT SYSTEM SETUP
- SINGLE OPERATING SYSTEM SETUP
- TRY LINUX ON VIRTUAL BOX
- MULTIPLE OS ON VIRTUAL BOX
- APPLICATION SETUP ASSISTANCE
Minimum System Requirements (your computer specifications)
- 2 GHz Dual core processor
- 4 GB RAM (system memory)
- 25 GB of hard-drive space
- VGA capable of 1024×768 screen resolution
- A USB port for the installer media
Additional Requirements
- Internet access
- A USB Flash drive (4GB Minimum)
How It Works
When you have made your decision to setup your Linux system and have chosen your favorite distribution of Linux, all you need to do is to “Express Your Interest” using the links provided below and provide us with a contact number or email address. We will get in touch with you to schedule a suitable time and complete the task. At the scheduled time, we will need you to have a suitable USB memory available (an empty drive as all content of the USB will be wiped off) and will also guide you to download and run the AnyDesk remote access utility which will only take a minute to run. You can leave the rest to us, sit back and let us complete the system setup. During the setup, in a couple of steps (when the system is restarted) we will need you to run the utility again and accept the remote access request so we can continue the setup . The remote access utility can be downloaded from our web site here, or from the AnyDesk web site.
Where To Start
Although you can decide to have your new Linux operating system installed straight away, we recommend you try it first by installing your favorite Linux distribution into a virtual machine so you can check the functions and get familiar with the system. You can also create a Linux live USB from the iso image of your distro and check the performance of your hardware without having to install the operating system and without making any changes to your current system. We can help you with both of these options as detailed below.
Basic steps to move from Windows or MacOS to Linux
If you are migrating from Windows or MacOS to Linux we recommend following the below steps.
- Choose a Linux Distro.
- When you have chosen your favorite distro, install it on a virtual machine inside your Windows or MacOS environment. Alternatively, you can try your distro from a “Live USB” first, assuming your computer will boot from USB; most will. You won’t need to install the Linux distro when trying it this way.
- Use cross platform applications and try Linux applications to get familiar with the new environment.
- Get comfortable with Linux.
- When ready to migrate, Back up your important data before you do anything else.
- Install your Linux OS alongside your existing operating system and choose which operating system to boot into once the Linux installation has finished (dual boot system). Alternatively, move your existing OS into a virtual machine and install Linux OS (your favorite distribution) as the main operating system (recommended).
- Wipe your Windows partition (devote your entire hard disk to Linux) once you’re comfortable with Linux.
Important Notice! Backup your personal data first
Before any changes is made to your computer, make sure to backup all your important data. This includes the data saved in your system drive (“C” drive or Windows drive) and also data saved in other partitions of your system. Although other drives of your system will not usually be affected when installing a new operating system alongside or on top of the existing one however we strongly recommend you make a backup copy of all your important data no matter where they are saved in the system, just to be in the safe side. It is your responsibility to backup your data before installing your new system.
Please note that if you are only trying your new Linux system through a virtual machine, inside your existing operating system, this will not affect your existing system settings and your personal data as all data of the virtual machine will be saved in a separate file in your computer hard disk and can be removed any time you wish with no harm to your system. In this case you may not need to backup your whole system.
Please refer to the last sections of this page to learn more about creating a system backup.
Our Services in details
- The required free space is identified in your local hard disk (at least 25GB required). If there is not enough disk space already available, a utility like Windows “Shrink Volume” is used to create the required disk space where possible.
- The iso image of your favorite Linux distribution is downloaded to your computer, if its not done already.
- A “Linux Live” USB is created using utilities like Rufus or Etcher.
- Confirmed that you have backed up your important data.
- Linux system is installed alongside your existing operating system, which means you will have the option to boot into your old system or your new Linux OS. The Linux boot loader (called GNU GRUB) will manage the system boot, latest version of the boot loader (GRUB2) will be installed as a part of the system setup and it will be the first screen to appear when you switch on your computer. GRUB is a trusted stable boot loader.
- Initial settings of your new Linux system (like RTC in local time zone) is completed and essential applications (like your favorite file manager and web browser) is installed.
- The performance of your dual boot system is tested by booting into your old and new system.
- Your data partitions (non-operating system drives) will be left untouched. We will show you how to access your data drives from your new system. Your Linux OS will detect all files and partitions formatted by your Windows or MacOS system.
- If application setup service is also requested, installations will be done for as many applications as you like to provide you with a complete system ready to use.
- Connections to your local devices and network locations will also be setup as a pat of application setup service if requested.
If you wish to request this service, express your interest using the link below.
- The required free space is identified in your local hard disk (at least 25GB required).
- The iso image of your favorite Linux distribution is downloaded to your computer, if its not done already.
- A “Linux Live” USB is created using utilities like Rufus or Etcher.
- Confirmed that you have backed up your important data.
- Your favorite Linux distribution is installed into your computer hard disk to replace your existing operating system. The Linux boot loader (called GNU GRUB) will manage the system boot, latest version of the boot loader (GRUB2) will be installed as a part of the system setup and it will be the first screen to appear when you switch on your computer. GRUB is a trusted stable boot loader. Data partitions of your hard disk will remain unchanged.
- If you would like to keep the data of your existing operating system, Linux system can be installed into another partition of your hard disk. If there is not enough disk space already available, a utility like Windows “Shrink Volume” is used to create the additional partition and required disk space where possible.
- Initial settings of your new Linux system (like RTC in local time zone) is completed and essential applications (like your favorite file manager and web browser) is installed.
- The performance of your Linux system is tested by booting into your new system and checking your system settings.
- Your data partitions (non-operating system drives) will be left untouched. We will show you how to access your data drives from your new system. Your Linux OS will detect all files and partitions formatted by your Windows or MacOS system.
- If application setup service is also requested, installations will be done for as many applications as you like to provide you with a complete system ready to use.
- Connections to your local devices and network locations will also be setup as a pat of application setup service if requested.
If you wish to request this service, express your interest using the link below.
- The required free space is identified in your local or external hard disk (at least 25GB required). If there is not enough disk space available in your local hard disk, the Linux system can be installed on an external SSD storage if available.
- The iso image of your favorite Linux distribution is downloaded to your computer, if its not done already.
- A virtual machine (preferably Virtual Box) is installed on your existing operating system.
- Your favorite Linux distribution is installed into your virtual machine.
- Initial settings of your new Linux system (like RTC in local time zone) is completed and essential applications (like your favorite file manager and web browser) is installed.
- The performance of your Linux system is tested by starting your new virtual operating system and checking your system settings.
- Your existing operating system and data partitions will be left untouched. We will show you where the data of your Linux system saved in your local hard drive.
- Shared folders are setup to be able to share data between your local drives and new operating system.
- If application setup service is also requested, installations will be done for as many applications as you like to provide you with a complete system ready to use.
If you wish to request this service, express your interest using the link below.
- The required free space is identified in your local or external hard disk (at least 25GB required for each new operating system). If there is not enough disk space available in your local hard disk, the Linux system can be installed on an external SSD storage if available.
- The iso image of your favorite additional Linux distribution(s) is downloaded to your computer, if its not done already.
- Your favorite Linux distribution(s) is installed into your virtual machine.
- Initial settings of your new Linux system (like RTC in local time zone) is completed and essential applications (like your favorite file manager and web browser) is installed.
- The performance of your Linux system is tested by starting your new virtual operating system and checking your system settings.
- Your existing operating system and data partitions will be left untouched. We will show you where the data of your new Linux system saved in your local hard drive.
- Shared folders are setup to be able to share data between your local drives and new operating system.
- If application setup service is also requested, installations will be done for as many applications as you like to provide you with a complete system ready to use.
If you wish to request this service, express your interest using the link below.
- Your favorite applications are installed n your Linux system, customized and tested.
- Additional familiar fonts for your open source office suite is installed at your request. An open source (free) office suite like LibreOffice is included in most Linux distributions, or can be downloaded and installed.
- If you have Office365 account from Microsoft, the online versions of Office applications is setup in your Linux system and is added to your operating system’s menu through Ice SSB utility. For details, refer to our Applications page.
- If you have a cloud storage account, its desktop applications is setup for you (like Dropbox and pCloud). Alternatively, web applications of most cloud storage providers like “Google Drive” and “One Drive” is setup through Ice SSB utility and added to your system’s menu.
- Your local printers and network locations are setup and added to your new Linux system.
- Your favorite email client is installed and your email account(s) is setup on the client.
If you wish to request this service, express your interest using the link below.
Creating system backup
It is strongly recommended that you create a backup copy of your entire system if you are going to make any changes to your physical hard disk, specially when you are installing a new operating system. There are different backup software available and it is ultimately your responsibility to choose a suitable program. The below examples are only a few programs available on the market.
Disk2vhd Utility
The Microsoft Disk2vhd is a utility that helps you create an image of your physical hard disk in VHD format. This image can then be attached to any virtual machine that is able to read it (like VirtualBox) and will provide you with a copy of your entire system inside a virtual machine. If you are going to attach this image to VirtualBox make sure to uncheck “Use vhdx” box.
Please refer to our support page for details of supports available for your new Linux system.
