Want to Convert, but Can't

New2Lindows · 08-14-2003, 12:18 AM

After experiencing the heaven that is Linux, I want to convert to Linux for my home office. The only trouble is two programs I use for business only run on Windows. They don't even run on Mac!

There are some distros I'd like to try on my next desktop in the office, but because of just two programs, I can't. They're simple programs that install from floppy disks, and are basically from maybe '95, and are only updated for information because they are databases. How likely that Wine or some other program for compatibility would run these programs? The way Windows manages to dominate the market really pisses me off.

gsibble · 08-14-2003, 01:10 AM

What are the programs? Are they custom made? Do you have the source code?

And if they are databases, you should probably be able to find something in Linux that can read them.

And you should also be able to export the databases into some format that Excel or Access can read and then export that into a Linux version :P

Give us some more info and we'll figure it out!!!

New2Lindows · 08-14-2003, 01:24 AM

One program is made by my company, and the other is made by another company. I'm a travel agent, and one of the programs is required, the other is pretty important but not reguired. Basically, one is a simple list of cruise ships, departure dates, and routes, the other is a bit more complicated, having databases for space held by company headquarters, info on my end, etc. Supposedly, HQ says I need an IBM compatible computer. I don't know if they'll add an internet database, or otherwise I'm most likely stuck with M$ Windblows.

gsibble · 08-14-2003, 01:34 AM

Hmmmm......well, dual boot

That's the beauty of it!

And I would personally reccomend Mandrake over Lindows (and Mandrake is 100% free, YAY!!!) if you really like Linux.

Mandrake sets up the dual boot real easy. If you're using these programs all the time though....that makes it a little harder.

In that case......stuck on that one.....where's MasterC when u need him?

MasterC · 08-14-2003, 01:52 AM

Right here

Just seeing how things are going. You can look into an emulator possibly:
www.vmware.com ( a very viable option IMO)
www.winehq.org (with some luck it might work?)
win4lin (do a google, I can't remember the website right now).

The other option has been mentioned. If you are an aspiring programmer, you might be able to port it to linux, with the permission of the original author/owner that is (shouldn't be a huge issue really for them if it's free software anyway).

Cool