System/Windows Integration
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Can I run Windows programs from within Linux? |
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Can I run Windows programs from within Linux? |
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For a more complete discussion of the problem, read Linux and Windows: Conflict or Cooperation?
A few years ago, the answer to this question was an unqualified no. But times have changed, and the answer is now a qualified yes. There are several helper applications that you should know about, both commercial and non-commercial, that enable you to run Windows programs from within Linux. Two common scenarios are desribed below.
If you want to run a mixed network of Linux and Windows machines, with shared hard disks and printers, read about samba.
Question: I am an office worker, and I know about free software. I use Mozilla Firefox as my web browser, and I understand that Kontact could fill my e-mail and calendaring needs.
I have also tried OpenOffice.org, but I already have Microsoft Office, and I actually prefer some of its features. If it were not for Microsoft Office, I would switch to Linux. What should I do?
Answer: If this is your situation, you should try CodeWeaver's Crossover Office. Crossover Office is a commercial product based on WINE that makes it possible run Microsoft Office from within Linux. Other programs, including Adobe Photoshop and Lotus Notes, are also supported. A trial version of the software can be downloaded before you buy.
Some commercial Linux distributions are sold together with Crossover Office, including:
Question: I am a gamer. I already use free software for everything except gaming. I have Linux and Windows installed side-by-side, but I am getting tired of changing back and forth. What should I do?
Answer: The ambition of Transgaming Technologies has been to bring Windows games to the Linux platform. Transgaming measures its success by the number of Windows games that can be successfully run from within Linux: the list has by now grown very long.