Linux is an awesome operating system landscape with a smattering of distributions for all purposes.
Learn all about Vineyard, including what it is and how to install it.
What Is Vineyard?
Vineyard is an aggregate of libraries and tools used to run Windows programs on Linux.
The goal of the project is simplifying Wine integration with the free desktop.
Within Vineyard, there’s a utility called vineyard-preferences for Wine configuration.
This keeps the default Wine configuration separate from alternative Wine configurations.
Nautilus-wine is included as well.
The extension for GNOME’s default file manager allows for configuration using the properties window.
For its foundation, Vineyard employs Python package python-wine.
Therefore, it allows interaction with the Wine registry database.
Moreover, you’re able to easily control elements of Wine including libraries, themes, and drives.
How to Install Vineyard for Linux
First, head over to thedownloadpage on the Vineyard project website.
Pick from the stable builds or daily builds.
As usual, daily builds are testing versions, and stable builds are older iterations.
HitEnterto continue, orCtrl + Cto cancel.
PressYto forage on, orNto cancel.
Since Vineyard requires Wine, it’s best to set up the beta packages from the Wine PPA.
In a command line, enter:
Once installation completes, you’ll see messages about setting up Vineyard.
Setting Up Vineyard
Once Vineyard is properly installed, launch the app.
A “Wine Preferences” screen appears with several options.
Plus, Vineyard lets you set program behavior.
You may set program windows to open in a virtual desktop, and specify the desktop dimensions.
Placespresents drives and folders for adding and removing paths to programs or devices.
Helpfully, Vineyard features an autodetect functionality.
Deviceshouses selections for video and audio.
For instance, you may enable hardware Vertex shaders and Pixel shader support.
What’s neat is thatProgramsautomatically pulls in Windows apps previously installed.
While Vineyard automatically listed a few programs such as MP3Tag, it failed to list others likeBlade Runner.
Luckily, I was easily able to add it to Vineyard.
I simply clickedAdd unlisted program.
Then, I navigated to theBlade RunnerEXE file in my PlayOnLinux directory.
In a few clicks, I was playing the cyberpunk noir gem of a PC game in Vineyard.
In a few clicks, I loaded up the Steam version of Windows.
Using Vineyard Project
Refreshingly, Vineyard is shockingly simple to use.
Merely add the PPA, follow the few prompts to plant the program, and open it up.
You’ll be running Windows apps on Linux in no time.
I appreciate how Vineyard yields compatibility with previously installed programs.
But Vineyard managed to find most of my already installed programs.
The interface doesn’t sport the fresh veneer of PlayOnLinux, however.
Whereas POL presents a snazzy database of programs to sift through, Vineyard is pretty barebones.
Granted, PlayOnLinux isn’t exactly eye candy.
Nevertheless, it’s helpful having a tangible list to sort through.
Yet Vineyard takes a minimalist approach.
While its configuration options are plentiful, the interface isn’t cluttered.
Should You Try Vineyard?
After installing Vineyard, I’d definitely recommend trying it if you want to run Windows apps on Linux.
Although I had Wine pre-installed, even adding that small step only expands the installation process slightly.
Additionally, Vineyard simply works really well.
I like that it’s compatible with existing software like PlayOnLinux, aggregating previously loaded Windows programs.
It’s a particularly neat feature.
Further, GitHub user Cybolicmaintains an up-to-date project page.
Vineyard, as the GitHub write up explains, derives its inspiration from theKarmic Wine Integration.
Truthfully, vanilla Wine does ooze standalone vibe.
Having issues with your Wine programs?These troubleshooting stepsshould help.
What Wine frontends do you recommend?
