Run Windows Apps in Linux ?
 

I just installed Ubuntu and would like to spend as much time as possible in the environment.

To this end, I was wondering if there were some kind of Virtual Machine software that will allow one to run Windows Apps in Linux (Ubuntu, specifically).

I've read & searched a bit and found some mention of something called "Wine". What is this, and does it have anything to do with what I am looking for ?

Thanks in advance,

Johnny

Wine is an Open Source implementation of the Windows API on top of X and Unix.

Think of Wine as a compatibility layer for running Windows programs. Wine does not require Microsoft Windows, as it is a completely free alternative implementation of the Windows API consisting of 100% non-Microsoft code, however Wine can optionally use native Windows DLLs if they are available. Wine provides both a development toolkit for porting Windows source code to Unix as well as a program loader, allowing many unmodified Windows programs to run on x86-based Unixes, including Linux, FreeBSD, and Solaris.

Just be advised that wine is alpha software, and probably always will be. It actually is quite easy to install and use for Ubuntu, just follow the directions on the website for Ubuntu, and in a few clicks you're done. Some apps run better than others, some seamlessly and some not at all. You can expect many things to work, including Starcraft (which is what I use it for), but just don't expect something as complicated as say, Half-Life 2 to work. If you do want that, you will have to shell out some cash for cedega, which is essentially wine with good DirectX support.

More Wining & Dining...
 

I assume "alpha" software is something less-proven than "beta".

I'm not looking to run any high-end games, but I would like to be able to run Nero and maybe a couple of other progs I use regularly.

I guess it's just a matter trying it and finding out, huh ?


Are there any alternatives to "Wine". If so, which is best ?

Thanks again,


Johnny

Well there is a NERO version for linux aviable. And K3b is also a very good piece of linux software to burn cd's /dvd's with (infact it quite identical to NERO's gui/functions)

Anyway, on with the show:rolleyes:

Wine is aviable in some specialist (and commercial) forms. The two most common:

Crossover plugin/server. This version of wine is intended to run windows based "business" software on linux. It has a nice gui for installing the software. They also added some custom components to the original wine. Check: www.codeweavers.com

Cedega (formely WineX). This version of wine is intended to run windows based games on linux.
Just like crossover, it has a nice gui for installing the software. They also added special components (like directX and Installshield) to the original wine. Check: www.transgaming.com
Oh, before i forget, transgaming has also a CVS version aviable for free. It lacks the special components though.

I am new to linux n00b if you like, I have wine installed on my pc, its very simple to use, once installed its just a case of wine /path/ProgramName.exe

Are there specific applications that you want to get running on your PC, cause 9/10 time there is a linux alternative out there and most distros will have everything you need on them

More Questions...
 

First I answered one of my own questions last night.

Winehq has a whole slew of FAQ's presented in a very easy to use & navigate style. The answer to the above was found here


Here's today's question:
I managed to follow the directions from the Wine\Ubuntu site and I got Ubuntu to "download" the files using Synaptic Package Manager. But the only thing I can figure out to do from this point is to use Add/Remove in order to install (Wine). But Wine isn't listed.

So what's next &/or what did I do wrong ?

Thanks in advance,

Johnny

So wine didn't find its way into the database. Go to settings-> repositories. Click add in the top right of the box, and then click custom. Copy and paste this line into the custom box:
deb http://wine.budgetdedicated.com/apt breezy main

That's assuming that you are using breezy. If you're using dapper, put in this line instead:
deb http://wine.budgetdedicated.com/apt dapper main

Click on add repository, and it should say that it needs to update the repositories. Say yes. To make sure it does this, you can manually do this by going to edit-> reload package information. Wine should now be in the list. To install it, select the check box next to it and click the apply button at the top of the screen.

Also, check out VMWare. You actually have to own a license to XP, but it works with pretty much everything. It allows Windows to run natively through Linux. Its like having two OSs running at the same time.

Do they have any free versions?

Done
 

I've done this, but see no evidence of it being installed. What's next, I have no clue. What I want to do is try to get Nero running under Ubuntu.

Thanks in advance,

Johnny

Yes:
http://www.vmware.com/products/free_virtualization.html

Fracked Up
 

Okay I did something wrong.
I made a "custom" addition to the repository (I'm guessing at the language here...) and something went wrong. Most of other "how to" texts I have read preface these commands with "deb", so I was concerned from the beginning.

I cannot find this command anywhere in the Synaptic Package Manager in order to remove it.

Also, I've changed my mind about Nero, and want to try to get Azureus working under Ubuntu instead. Trying to follow the directions found here

An excerpt:

Could someone please decrypt this so that a newb can understand it ? What do they mean "new file"? What "new" file? What "file" are they talking about ?


???

:confused:

The file they are referring to is "azureus.desktop", which is what you're opening (or creating) when you run "sudo gedit /usr/share/applications/azureus.desktop".

Run ?
 

Y'know, I read a lot about Linux Commands yet there seems to be nothing on HOW to "run" these commands.

I assume somewhere there is the equivalent of a Command Prompt in Ubuntu. Where is it, and how does running "sudo gedit /usr/share/applications/azureus.desktop" get Azureus downloaded & installed ?