New to Linux can I run some of my old windows programs
 

I'm running a triple boot, XP, Vista and Ubunta 9.10, I understand that some windows programs can be run on Linux and I need to know how. I don't just mean only Microsoft programs but third party programs as well.

Hello,

That would be Wine you're looking for.

Kind regards,

Eric

Homepage for wine: www.winehq.org

Ubuntu install command: sudo apt-get install wine

:)

James

hi

how old is old?

are we talking ms-dos old?

Not Ms-Dos old. Old Windows 98 Programs, that's the reason for XP on my desktop just to run programs that want run in Vista. But I like this Ubuntu and would like to do away with window altogether.
I have installed Wine and have not figured out yet how to get windows programs to run in it. Do I install the programs in Ubuntu or do I go the the window hhd and try to run them from there?

You should read the documentation: http://www.winehq.org/documentation.

Install them in ubuntu.

Its good to see someon giving advice, not a link to some documentation.

James

Why? Documentation is provided for users so that they can learn how to use the software.

You might also want to look at CrossOver. They have a nice GUI, support, etc. There is a free trial available

http://codeweavers.com

I guess, but this is a forum so shouldnt people be offering advice, not links to manuals that could be found with Google?

Ah whatever helps I guess :)

James

It's my belief that this forum is all about helping out others to get to learn Linux, get more knowledge about all there is to know about Linux. In that concept you are right, jamwaffles, we're all here to help. But what will help someone the most? A step by step guide on how to achieve a goal? Or pointing that someone in a direction so that he/she can find out for him-/herself how, what and why makes Linux 'tick'. I think you'd agree when I say that by far the second option will teach the person in question more, at least it will 'sink' in better than just copy paste commands from a post here.

Kind regards,

Eric

if you are trying to run ms-dos applications you may consider using DosBox, it is available at no charge.

Regarding wine, after installing wine use this command:

$ wine [path to the setup file]

this will run your installer.
There is no assurance that your application will run trouble free in wine. In case of a problem try visiting www.winehq.org.

One more thing, your wine directory is located in $HOME/.winr (eg. /home/[user name]/.wine or whatever it is for you)
and programs are installed in $HOME/.wine/drive_c/Program Files/
To run your installed program you can either use the wine menu in the desktop(if you have it) or use

$wine [path to the executable]

the executable most likely can be found in /home/[user name]/.wine/drive_c/Program Files/[Application Name]/

You can also change wine configuration using

$winecfg

Regarding DosBox, there is a Linux version of the application, use it if you manage to resolve the dependencies,
else you can try running DosBox using Wine.
There are many things you may need to know about wine, try going through the User Guide(available in the wine website).

Regards

actually it doesnt work unless you run winecfg first!

can you tell us some of the apps you want to run...

some may be ported to linux or we may know of alternatives that do the same thing