Can Linux run Windows applications and games (Warcraft 3, Quake 4, UT2004, etc.) for free?

2 Comments

1. fxyarde says:

   27. September 2009 at 19:29

   Can they? Yes, but not for "free". Why?

   For applications, Windows is a very tricky operating system. It’s difficult to emulate because it’s closed-source (in other words, if programmers try to mess with Windows, they are breaking the law), so the next best thing is to run code under it so the program thinks it’s using Windows (when it’s clearly not). However, there is an advantage here: you don’t have to install a copy of Windows to use it!

   CrossOver Office by CodeWeavers is the best program for Windows applications. While there is Wine (Windows Emulator) that you can download and use for free, but CrossOver Office comes with support, which can be useful in a Linux world, especially for a beginner such as yourself.

   For games, TransGaming developed Cedega, for Windows games and you can run Windows games right out of the box with this program.

   Why would you want to purchase these products? Because it will make your life easier, because Linux can be confusing, and the last thing a beginner wants is to be overwhelm.
2. coloradohurricane says:

   27. September 2009 at 19:29

   The learning curve for Linux can be steep.

   Linux can run SOME Windows games using the WINE emulator. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.