A while back we wrote an article about using Wine to install Windows programs in a Linux environment.  There is a slightly better program out there that will allow you to use Windows programs in Linux.  Here is the rundown on how to get it, install it and start using your Windows programs in Linux.

The program is called Crossover Linux from Codeweavers.  It’s a neat little app that will allow you to run the most common Windows programs within Linux easily and efficiently as well as be able to install and use shareware ad no so common programs as well.  Crossover calls these programs Unsupported Software, but it basically means any program that is not from a well known, brand name vendor.

If you are using Ubuntu you can just download the .deb package from www.codeweavers.com.  They also have Mac packages.  Once you download the file just double-click the .deb file to get the install started.

Click Install Package.

This is the trial version, so if you ever want to buy the full version just select Applications – Crossover – Register and unlock this Demo.  You will be prompted for your account info to unlock the program.

To install a Windows program, go to Applications – Crossover – Install Windows Software.  You will see the following screen;

If the application you wish to install is on the list, just click on it to highlight and click Next.  Just follow the on screen instructions to finish the installation of the application.

If the application you wish to install is not in the list, just place a check mark in the Install unsupported software box.  Then follow the on-screen instructions.
Menu items will be created for the installs, and you can access the programs from the Applications menu.

You can do some pretty sophisticated things with this software, so play around with it and see what you can do!

Tags | Apple, General, Linux, Microsoft, Windows Vista, Windows XP