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Comment by globular-toast | Hacker News Reader

Installing Linux is easy. The problem that inevitably arises is moving all of their data across. Things like their browser bookmarks and email inboxes etc. Is there a fool proof way to do this? If they knew where all their data was then they'd be half way to being able to install Linux themselves.

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All browsers I've used (chromium and Firefox based) store your profile in AppData. This directory can be dropped into a linux install at the appropriate location and you get all your history, plugins, cookies transferred. Completely seamless if you're willing to go through some simple steps.

Then again plenty of modern browsers have some type of profile syncing built in, which does all this for you.

> email inboxes

Please don't use POP3. Your inbox should live on a remote server and simply follow your account. Storing your inbox exclusively on your PC will make you very sad some day.

Your inbox should live on a remote server

most cheaper/free email providers have a storage limit.

besides, i disagree conceptually. if i want to reduce the risk of my email being read or handed to someone i don't trust, then removing it from the server is a good idea. i can make my own backups.

With so many things being cloud-based, moving to a new device often just requires logging in. See how easy setting up new devices is on Android and iOS.

On the desktop side, the GNOME online accounts feature is pretty good at getting you most of the way there.

The problem I find happening too often is that everything works on the initial install. Then an update comes along and nukes sound. Then a few weeks later a round of updates fixes sound but breaks Bluetooth. Then a few weeks later an update nukes WiFi. Ok, connect via Ethernet. Three updates later Bluetooth starts working again.

Then everything works... until you try to adjust the display brightness.

This on pre-2020 Lenovo laptops.

Haven't experienced this for probably ten years at this point.

You just login into chrome again

That's a problem with every computer update right? Not limited to Linux.

Replying to my own comment. Honestly, it looks nobody here has actually tried to do this for a real person with a Windows PC they've been using for a number of years.

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