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Running applications designed for the Windows operating system on Linux is becoming an increasingly common requirement, especially in environments where users are transitioning to the open and flexible Linux operating system. There are several methods and tools that facilitate this process. The following article provides a detailed guide and recommendations on how to achieve this goal.

 

1. Using Wine

Wine is the most well-known and widely used tool for running Windows applications on Linux. It is a compatibility layer that allows running applications designed for Windows without the need for emulation. Below is the procedure for installing and using Wine.

Installing Wine:

1. Adding the Wine repository:

sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386
wget -nc https://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/winehq.key
sudo apt-key add winehq.key
sudo add-apt-repository 'deb https://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/ubuntu/ bionic main'

2. Updating and installing Wine:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install --install-recommends winehq-stable

Running a Windows application using Wine:

1. Download or copy the application installer file (e.g., setup.exe).

2. Open a terminal and navigate to the directory where the installer file is located.

3. Run the installer file using Wine:

wine setup.exe

4. Follow the instructions in the installation wizard, which is the same as on Windows.

 

 

2. Using PlayOnLinux

PlayOnLinux is a graphical frontend for Wine that simplifies the installation and management of multiple applications and games.

Installing PlayOnLinux:

1. Adding the PlayOnLinux repository:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:playonlinux/ppa

2. Updating and installing PlayOnLinux:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install playonlinux

Running an application using PlayOnLinux:

1. Open PlayOnLinux.

2. Click on the "Install" button.

3. Select the application from the predefined list or click on "Install a non-listed program".

4. Follow the installation wizard instructions.

 

 

3. Using Virtualization Tools

Virtualization is another way to run Windows applications on Linux. Popular tools include VirtualBox and VMware.

Installing VirtualBox:

1. Adding the VirtualBox repository:

sudo sh -c 'echo "deb [arch=amd64] https://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian bionic contrib" > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/virtualbox.list'
wget -q https://www.virtualbox.org/download/oracle_vbox_2016.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -
wget -q https://www.virtualbox.org/download/oracle_vbox.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -

2. Updating and installing VirtualBox:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install virtualbox-6.1

Creating a virtual machine for Windows:

1. Open VirtualBox and click on the "New" button.

2. Enter the name of the virtual machine and select the operating system "Windows".

3. Set the memory size and create a virtual hard drive.

4. Install Windows on the created virtual machine.

 

 

4. Using CrossOver

CrossOver is a commercial software based on Wine that offers better support and a simpler user interface.

Installing CrossOver:

1. Download the installer package from the official CodeWeavers website.

2. Open a terminal and install the package:

sudo dpkg -i crossover_xxx.deb
sudo apt -f install

Running an application using CrossOver:

1. Open CrossOver.

2. Click on the "Install a Windows Application" button.

3. Select the application from the catalog or add your own installer file.

4. Follow the installation wizard instructions.

 

Running Windows applications on Linux is not as complicated as it might seem. Thanks to tools like Wine, PlayOnLinux, VirtualBox, and CrossOver, it is possible to easily access applications that are crucial for your work or entertainment. Each of these tools has its own advantages and specifics, so it is advisable to choose the one that best suits your needs and technical knowledge.