Run Windows apps on Linux with Wine 7.0
It used to be, people would scoff at the idea of switching to a Linux-based operating system due to a lack of software. While that is still true for some folks -- especially business users -- it is less of a concern these days. Why? Well, so many things are done through the web browser nowadays, lessening dependence on Windows software. For many consumers, just having the Google Chrome browser on, say, Ubuntu, is more than enough to accomplish their wants and needs. Not to mention, there are many quality Linux apps like GIMP and DaVinci Resolve.
But OK, lets say you really want to use a Linux-based operating system, but there's some Windows-only software that you absolutely cannot live without. Thankfully, you may still be able to ditch Windows and upgrade to something like Fedora or Linux Mint. How? Thanks to the excellent Wine! This compatibility layer (don't you dare call it an emulator), can sometimes enable you to run Windows software on Linux. Today, version 7.0 is released.
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"The Wine team is proud to announce that the stable release Wine 7.0
is now available. This release represents a year of development effort and over 9,100 individual changes," explains Alexandre Julliard, Wine developer.
The developer shares the following areas where major changes were implemented. You can see a full change log here.
- Most modules converted to PE format.
- Better theming support, with a bundled theme for a more modern look.
- Vastly improved HID stack and joystick support.
- New WoW64 architecture.
Before you get too excited, you should know that Wine is hardly flawless. Some apps and games will work fine, while others may be slow or buggy. There can be a lot of trial and error involved. Unless a certain Windows-only program is critical for you, I would instead recommend finding a Linux alternative -- or opting for a web-based solution -- such as Microsoft's excellent Office Online. In other words, in many cases, Wine should be a last resort.
If you are ready to download Wine 7.0, you can get the source here. Looking for an easier way to install it? You can download the appropriate packages here.
What Windows-only software is stopping you from switching to Linux? Please tell me in the comments below.
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