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Years ago, people tended not to adopt Linux because they couldn't run their favorite Windows programs. The world of open-source software has improved immensely, however, and many people have become accustomed to using free tools, from email clients and office applications to media players.
Still, there might be that odd, must-have software gem that works only on Windows. In this case, try using one of these four tools that will help you install and run Windows applications within a Linux environment.
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WINE
Sep 20, 2018 Installing Wine On Ubuntu Step1: Check if you have an Ubuntu 32-bit or 64-bit system. Step2: Installing Wine from a Standard Ubuntu Repository. Alternative: Installing Wine. Download winetricks packages for ALTLinux, Arch Linux, CentOS, Debian, Fedora, FreeBSD, OpenMandriva, openSUSE, PCLinuxOS, ROSA, Slackware, Ubuntu.
What We Like
Install Windows Software’s Using Winetricks. Winetricks is a small helper script for downloading and installing windows based software’s and missing DDL files that needed to run some programs under wine. To download and install software programs, run the ‘winetricks‘ utility from the terminal. Wine comes in the Ubuntu repositories, ready to install. All the user has to do is open a terminal (applications - accessories - terminal) and enter the following command: sudo apt-get install wine The best option is to get the latest version of wine so the user should add its repositories.
- No Windows license required to use Windows applications.
- Capable of running most Windows games.
What We Don't Like
- Doesn't always run the latest versions of Windows products like Microsoft Office.
- Some games and applications run sluggishly.
WINE stands for 'Wine Is Not An Emulator.' WINE provides a Windows compatibility layer for Linux that makes installing, running, and configuring many popular Windows applications possible.
To install WINE, run whichever of the following fits your flavor of Linux.
With most desktop environments, you can run a Windows program with WINE by right-clicking on the file and choosing Open with WINE program loader.
Of course, you can run the program from the command line using the following command:
The file can be either an executable or an installer file.
WINE offers a configuration tool you can launch using the menu of your desktop environment or from the command line using the following command:
The configuration tool lets you choose the version of Windows to run programs against, manage graphics and audio drivers, manage desktop integration, and handle mapped drives.
You might find this guide to WINE and the project website and documentation helpful.
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Winetricks
What We Like
- Greatly expands what WINE can do with minimal effort.
- Doesn't require installation.
What We Don't Like
- Not directly supported by its maker WineHQ.
- Not as optimized for gaming as other alternatives.
WINE on its own is a great tool. Sometimes, however, installing an application can fail. Winetricks provides a nice graphical tool to ease the install process and run Windows applications.
To install Winetricks, run whichever of the following commands is appropriate for your setup:
When you run Winetricks, you are greeted with a menu with the following options:
- View help
- Install an application
- Install a game
- Install a benchmark
- Select the default wineprefix
- Select office2007pro
- Enable silent install
- Show broken apps
If you choose to install an application, a long list of applications will appear. The list includes the Audible player, ebook readers for the Kindle and Nook, older versions of Microsoft Office, Spotify, the Windows version of Steam, and various Microsoft development environments up until 2010.
The games list includes a number of popular games including Call of Duty, Call of Duty 4, Call of Duty 5, Biohazard, and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.
Some of the items require a CD to install, while others can be downloaded.
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Play On Linux
What We Like
- Hands down the best emulator for Windows gaming.
- Install multiple versions of WINE simultaneously.
- Excellent community support.
What We Don't Like
- Starting games in full screen mode can sometimes cause crashing.
- Error reporting is lacking.
The best free tool for running Windows programs is Play On Linux.
As with Winetricks, Play On Linux provides a graphical interface for WINE. Play On Linux goes a step further by allowing you to choose the version of WINE to use.
To install Play On Linux, run one of the following commands:
When you first run Play On Linux, a toolbar appears at the top with options to run, close, install, remove, or configure applications. You'll also see an installation option in the left panel.
When you choose the install option, a list of categories appears as follows:
- Accessories
- Development
- Education
- Games
- Graphics
- Internet
- Multimedia
- Office
- Other
- Patches
You can choose from a huge number of applications including development tools such as Dreamweaver, an assortment of retro classics such as Sensible World of Soccer, modern games such as Grand Theft Auto versions 3 and 4, the Half Life series, and more.
The graphics section includes Adobe Photoshop and Fireworks, and you'll find browsers in the internet section.
The office section is a bit hit and miss. Those apps may not work.
Play On Linux requires you to have the setup files for the programs you are installing, although you can download some of the games from GOG.com.
Software installed via Play On Linux is generally more likely to work than software installed by Winetricks.
You also can install non-listed programs; however, the programs listed have been specifically configured to be installed and run using Play On Linux.
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Crossover
What We Like
- Streamlined setup makes it easier for Linux newcomers to use Windows programs.
- Reliable 24/7 customer support with premium plan.
What We Don't Like
- Applications take up more space on your hard disk due to how it handles containers.
- Free trial is limited to 14 days.
Crossover is the only item in this list that isn't free. Installers are available for Debian, Ubuntu, Mint, Fedora, and Red Hat.
When you first run Crossover, you are presented with a blank screen with an 'Install Windows Software' button at the bottom. If you click on the button, a new window appears with the following options:
A bottle in Crossover is like a container that is used to install and configure each Windows application.
When you choose Select application, you'll see a search bar from which you can search for the program you wish to install by typing a description.
Install Winetricks Ubuntu 18
You also can choose to browse the list of applications. A list of categories will appear, and as with Play On Linux, you can choose from a wide array of packages.
When you choose to install an application, a new bottle suitable for that application will be created, and you will be asked to provide the installer or setup.exe.
Why use Crossover when Play On Linux is free? Some programs work only with Crossover and not Play On Linux. If you desperately need that program, then this is one option.
Install Winetricks Ubuntu 14.04
While WINE is a great tool, and the other options listed provide extra value for WINE, some programs may not work properly, and some may not work at all. Other options include creating a Windows virtual machine or dual booting Windows and Linux.
Install Wine Winetricks Ubuntu
Set your Windows emulation configuration options. After the 'C:' drive is created, the configuration window will open, allowing you to adjust the settings for the emulated version of Windows. The different tabs allow you to adjust different settings.- 'Applications' - This allows you to set the Windows version for each of your installed applications. The 'Default Settings' is the version of Windows that will be loaded for any application that does not have a specific operating system set.
- 'Libraries' - This lets you adjust DLLs for the emulated version of Windows. Most users can leave this alone. You may need to make adjustments here to make some programs run correctly.
- 'Graphics' - This allows you to adjust options like screen size, mouse capture, and resolution. This is linked to the 'Applications' tab, so these changes can be application-specific.
- 'Drives' - This allows you to map virtual drives for Wine using your own drives and folders. To find the Path for your disc drive, right-click the icon on your desktop. You can also click 'Autodetect' to attempt to have Wine automatically detect your installed drives.
- 'Desktop Integration' - This allows you to set the theme and appearance of your emulated applications.
- 'Audio' - This adjusts the audio settings for Wine. Most users can leave them at default, and Wine will use your Linux settings.