Win4Lin and VMware Workstation aren't clones of each other, but they share certain qualities.īoth lack support for the DirectDraw and Direct3D Windows drivers that improve performance in graphical programs. (Regrettably, VMware Express, the $49.95 desktop version that I reviewed last time and runs one Windows 9x virtual machine at a time on Linux, has been discontinued.)Īlthough the no-license options are getting better all the time, and new versions are about to be released, the products with the best compatibility with Windows applications still require a license for Microsoft Windows. The company also offers a server version. VMware Workstation 3.0, $329 from VMware Inc.NeTraverse Win4Lin 3.0, $89.99 from NeTraverse Inc.I focus here on two emulation software programs that require a Windows license: But it doesn't support all Windows applications. Wine, free software that implements a Windows compatibility layer on top of Linux, is available from the Wine Development HQ Web site.This $54.95 software package currently supports only Microsoft Office and Lotus Notes Windows applications. CrossOver Office 1.0.0, from CodeWeavers Inc.It's due to ship soon from San Diego-based Inc. Lindows, a $99 distribution of Linux that will run some Windows applications directly.Programs that don't require a Windows license include the following: This time, I've taken a hard look at two other alternatives.Įmulation programs fall into roughly two groups: Those that require a Microsoft Windows license and those that don't. I've discussed some of those in a previous story (see "Linux and Windows: Can't We All Just Get Along?"). Almost all users have some Windows program that they must have in order for Linux to be as functional as Windows is for them.įortunately, there are a growing number of options for providing users with their must-have applications on a Linux desktop. My experience as a user and programmer on Windows operating systems - and as a participant in some lively discussions that take place in the Computerworld community forums - confirm that the transition to Linux isn't always easy for the user or the administrator.
Not so with desktop computers for work or home.
Also, users typically don't have direct contact with servers, so the underlying operating system isn't a big deal to them. Among the reasons for this are its versatility, ease of administration, minimal upfront cost and lack of client-access license entanglements.
Linux provides a very good upgrade path for servers in businesses of all sizes. Join the online discussion about this column.