I transitioned to Linux a few years ago, which has piqued my partner’s curiosity. She’s been genuinely interested and asks questions about it, but she is so deeply integrated I don’t know where to start. She uses iCloud, an Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad, a Mac desktop, plus whatever default proprietary software. She has a semi-technical background.

I want to help and be encouraging without overselling the ease of transition. There’s always some friction with transitioning technology, and of course Apple makes that intentionally difficult. I came from a Windows ecosystem, so I’m lacking any direct insight for potential challenges.

Any advice or personal experiences on moving from the Apple ecosystem to Linux would be hugely appreciated!

(I can host services on my local server, so transitioning to something like Immich vs iCloud for photos is one option we’ve discussed).

  • LewdLemon@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    0·
    12 days ago

    Excellent advice!

    I’d like to add to the list:

    • Calendar, Contacts - Nextcloud (via cal/cardDAV)
    • Bookmark (and tab?) sync via Firefox Sync (or similar)
    • AirDrop to Syncthing
    • Check whatever other software and features she uses daily for work, communication, or leisure, and make sure it either exists on the Linux side or there’s a viable alternative, and get her used to that first

    I’d only make the switch once you’ve made sure that

    1. she knows why she’s doing this, and is determined to. Doing it because you made her is bound to lead to failure.
    2. you know all the features and software she’s used to and have tested and established a working alternative.