I run a medical practice and want to switch to Linux. How do I transfer necessary apps and info from windows to linux.
Thanks,
doc

You would need to determine if the present applications would run in Linux
You might have to use open-source or Linux- based replacements

I'm moving this to the Linux forum

If they are able to run on Linux how do I back up info that is already stored on my HDD in windows?
Thanks

Can you tell us these apps ?

Do you just need things like Microsoft word and excel ?

Don't I wish! No these are programs like emedware it's like an AIO that keeps patient records, appts, charts, etc. I'm sur the company has a Linux based app but I'll probably get reemed in the process. I'd rather do it my self if possible but I probabaly won't get so lucky. Would a program like filezilla or something along those lines possibly help?
Our city has been hit hard by unemployment and people don't have insurance so I've been doing a lot of Pro Bono work and reduced fee work. In the last six months I've made about 25% of my normal income if that and have taken some hard financial hits besides. So I don't even know if I can afford to switch their apps ( they operate under the misconception that all Dr's are rich). I've noticed some medical software on here that's somewhat similar, but the task of having to hand key years and years of charts and diagnoses would be daunting to say the least. I dread the phone call. Oh well enough of that.
thanks for answering
doc

If this is the Sage medware software then the site indicates Windows only. I don't know of any "free" native opensource medical management software.Try --> here. And check this article --> here.

It's possible that some other web based apps may work with FireFox on Linux. There are business management AIO "stacks" that you may be able to adapt. You could also look into Alfresco document management but I don't think it's an AIO. You may have to generate invoices,charts, etc separately with specific software and then track them with Alfresco.

Wish we could be of more help but these kind of applications have a tendency to be very Windows specific and because MicroSoft and friends want to be your partner for life (whether you want or not), they encrypt these formats so you can't leave. Probably will have to ask yourself why you are leaving Vista. Is Win7 an option? Migrated my business to Linux 5 years ago and haven't looked back but the kind of software you're looking for may be hard to replace in the foreseeable future.

Maybe a program like this http://www.oemr.org/ is something like what you're looking for. It's FOSS (Free open source software) [qutoe]OpenEMR is a free medical practice management, electronic medical records, prescription writing, and medical billing application.[/quote].
You may try dual booting one PC in your office to see if you like the way it and linux works (although that program is also available for windows ). Online demos are available to view.

Also a Wikipedia has a good sized list of open source (not all free, I'd imagine) medical apps and programs. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_open_...thcare_software

It just so happens that I ran across an open source application for maintaining medical records. I know absolutely nothing about it. The only reason that it caught my eye is that my sister manages a doctor's office. Anyway, here is the link if you want to check it out. http://gnumed.org/
BTW, it is available in the Ubuntu repositories. Good luck.