Hi all,
I intend to switch from Windows to Linux permanently. I am using Ubuntu 9.10 presently. However, the biggest stumbling block is that I am not able to use my proprietary Windows XP based structural analysis and design program work in Linux. This program requires a usb lock. I have tried installing this program through Wine. It also detects the Aladin usb key. But when I start the program, I get the message "services could not be started" and the program closes. Can anybody help me in overcoming this problem. Thanks and warm regards.

I'm not sure that wine has implemented windows services, you may have to run a virtual machine as a last resort.

Have you asked the application provider about a Linux based version of the application?

Also, there may be Linux alternatives to your current app, have you tried a google search of "Linux structural analysis and design program":
http://www.google.com/custom?hl=en&c...%3Agg7jrrhpsy4

Thanks for the reply. I have tried both, the Wine as well as the Virtual machine after loading Win XP. The Linux alternatives for the purpose are not fully matured yet. Secondly, I have already invested a good amount in the the software I am talking about. It is STRAP-12.5.
I have downloaded the VM from its site (non-free ver)and enabled USB. Even then it failed to detect. May be I will have to configure the USB ports little differently.