Linux Windows Hybrid?

[ShadeZeRO]

hey all...

I want to switch over to linux, cuz im going to be going to college soon and was wondering...is there a linux that can run windows programs?

I have these Variations of Linux:
-Mandrake Linux 10.0
-Linspire (the new one, and Linspire Live)

I haven't used Linspire yet because nobody has braught any of my spare comps from MN yet...but its ok...

...I want to run a 64-bit Linux OS and have the ability to Run windows programs (emulated or otherwise)...Any ideas?

[MJCfromCT]

Originally posted by ShadeZeRO
hey all...

I want to switch over to linux, cuz im going to be going to college soon and was wondering...is there a linux that can run windows programs?


Yup, every single flavor of linux can do it.

All you need is Wine (http://www.winehq.com/)

You should try to learn linux, download a flavor, buy a book, and start experimenting, its well worth it.

P.S. - Just don't think that you'll be able to play HL2 in linux through wine :)

[crossedup]

How hard is that to set up?

Curious. Running SUSE 9.1

Might give it a go in some free time.

[bob05]

The closest in compatibility you will get (out of the box) is probably Linspire. It has an easy GUI and everything. As for Windows gaming on Linux, look at WineX: http://www.transgaming.com/

[richard_cocks]

Whilst wine can run most windows programs, it's much better to actually think about GNU/linux equivalents that can do what you want.

Generally there is even more choice about programs than with windows, i.e. on linux I have 4-5 apps just installed that can play movies, let alone all the ones I could install and use.

As for which distribution, I'd avoid linspire or anything else that is aiming to try and be like windows (if in appearance or otherwise), because generally they are more restrictive, and when they go wrong are harder to fix/troubleshoot because of smaller (or less techy) userbases.

Oh yeah, for wine;

If you want gaming, use transgaming cedega (formally wineX)

For general stuff (including a little directX) WineHQ is good.

There's another which is more stripped down but easier to configure but excellent for "office" type apps but can't remember the name :\

p.s. I hope HL2 has native linux binaries like DOOM3 and UT2004 do :p

Anyway, back on topic, I'd suggest trying slackware/Debian if you actually care about what's on your system.

[ShadeZeRO]

But is any 64-bit...

I want to see the TRUE capabilities of the A64 Processers...

I want to Game on it...and run a server (when im a way..only temp)..

and hopefully run 3dmark to see a difference between XP and Linux...

I might just partition my 120gb drive and install Linspire on the other partition.

I got linspire for free using some coupon code that gets you 49.99 off lol...so it was free :) :)

[Johnny Fist]

Just stick with Windows.

[richard_cocks]

Originally posted by ShadeZeRO
But is any 64-bit...

I want to see the TRUE capabilities of the A64 Processers...

I want to Game on it...and run a server (when im a way..only temp)..

and hopefully run 3dmark to see a difference between XP and Linux...

I might just partition my 120gb drive and install Linspire on the other partition.

I got linspire for free using some coupon code that gets you 49.99 off lol...so it was free :) :)

Linspire? ewwwww

Get a real distro o:

And yes, there are 64bit kernels out there. You'd probably have to compile most software yourself too to use 64bit binaries, but might be ok. I know the ut2004 demo/full installer checks which you have and uses 64bit binaries or not depending on which architecture.

And as for linspire free, most other stuff comes FREE ANYWAY. and IS BETTER, and there's a LOT MORE SUPPORT for other distros from the "community".

[bob05]

Truthfully speaking, just going and getting a "real" distro might make Linux look unattractive and make it seem difficult to use (I know it did for me). "Easing" your way into Linux might be a better way, you learn Linux basics so you can finally get a good distro.

[Johnny Fist]

I was going to say the same thing but I didn't want to start butting heads with Richard again. We tend to see things a bit differently. As for ShadeZero, stick to Windows unless you have a real and legitimate reason to switch. "Just for the heck of it" doesn't count.

[richard_cocks]

you don't learn the basics at all.

And we totally agree, unless you have a reason for switching (when you'd probably want a real distro) it's better not to switch at all, Windows rocks.

[Tech^salvager]

Originally posted by richard_cocks
you don't learn the basics at all.

And we totally agree, unless you have a reason for switching (when you'd probably want a real distro) it's better not to switch at all, Windows rocks.
I 2nd that. Anyone know when windows XP 64bit comes out?

[fishybawb]

Originally posted by Tech^salvager
Anyone know when windows XP 64bit comes out?

A rather vague "first half of 2005" is what Microsoft are saying:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/64bit/howtobuy/default.mspx

I'm not going to hold my breath!