You’re anew Linux user.
Whatever your reason for trying Linux, there’s probably a few Windows programs that you miss.
Is there any way to get Windows software working on Linux?
As it turns out, there is.
What Is Wine?
Wine is acompatability layerthat makes it possible to run Windows software on Linux machines.
(It alsoworks on Macs, but that’s another article entirely).
Wine runs Windows software directly.
But there’s a downside.
“, you might be saying.
“Sign me up!”
But it’s arguably even more important for productivity software, where crashes can cost you time and money.
No Wine Until You Finish Your Homework
Say you want to run Microsoft Word.
But which version will work?
To find out, head to theWine utility Database.
This is a user-compiled repository of Windows app that are known to run using Wine.
Consult this if you have trouble installing software.
This is a simple app that automates the installation of many programs, notably more than a few games.
If it is, you’ll be guided through the installation process for your software.
This means you don’t need to worry about your applications breaking.
It even gives you access to old versions of Internet Explorer (shudder).
