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I was wondering if it was possible for Linux to be able to read Microsoft's executable files. For example, I recently get a wireless optical mouse, and rather than looking for a driver made by some person in their basement, I want to use the software that came with the mouse... It is, however, in .exe form. I'm not very good with linux, yet, but this would really help if somebody knew some way of doing this. thanks.
Nope, you can't use them unless you attempt to load them using wine or any other emulator or program. I would think a mouse configuration though designed for Windows would not work the same in Linux.. you'd have to find an alternative program to use, etc.
Distribution: Distribution: RHEL 5 with Pieces of this and that.
Kernel 2.6.23.1, KDE 3.5.8 and KDE 4.0 beta, Plu
Posts: 5,700
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Use http://www.google.com/linux and search for wine. Download and Install. Don't forget to RTFM before running. Lots of info here and out on the net to get you going. You can also check out VmWare. It runs a true version of a guest operatiing system. It does cost but if you have no choice then it is worth it.
Originally posted by dudeguy9001 How would I "attemt to load them using wine or any other emulator or program"? Where do i get wine. How do I use it?
If you go into www.google.com, and type "wine" on the search field, then click on the button "Search", the very first hit would be the Wine you are looking for. It really is that simple and works with almost everything. Even full questions can be used: "Adding mouse wheel support in Linux", for example...
Also, even though a few Windows applications will run under Linux through wine, you should avoid it at best. In this case, you are trying to use drivers... which is even worse. Simply forget it. And I don't know why you would need a driver for the mouse(?). If you have those mice with 20 buttons, you've to edit your /etc/X11/XF86Config (or xorg.conf) and add the number of buttons on the device part (Option "Buttons" "20").
Most of the things in Linux works by either editing a file, loading a module or recompiling the kernel. The latest one is to be avoided, unless you have some really odd piece of hardware.
If you are looking for an application for Linux to run natively (smart) instead of running a Windows application through an emulator (bad idea), take a look into this Table of Equivalents:
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