Best Linux Ver. to test windows apps/games

[ataylor23]

Ive read articles about Linux and played with redhat a few times. I am curious if there is a version or make of Linux that will run most of the windows applications.

I am interested in running a image of this to test but considering there are so many to choose from need some advice on my chances or if Im completely hopeless in my attempt.

Is there anyway to run games that only support Windows on a Linux machine? Will the drivers for video cards work well enough using Linux to be worth the test?

Any help is welcome...

Thanks,

AT

 

[Lord Banshee]

The best you can get windows app/games to run on linux is with Wine.
http://www.winehq.com/

And i like Ubuntu of all the ones i tried.
http://www.ubuntu.com/

But serious If you need to use windows apps and games, run windows.. there is no alternative.

 

[Brazen]

Seriously, find a GPL'd alternative to your Windows apps that will run on linux natively. Otherwise, check out winehq.com, there is a database of application and how well they work under wine. A lot of games also have linux ports, you can just download a special installer from the manufacturer's website. You might also try googling for the name of your game or app plus linux.

 

[ataylor23]

Thanks both of you for answering so quickly. I will do so research!

I have a starting point and thats what I was hoping for!

Thanks again!

 

[Nothinman]

I am curious if there is a version or make of Linux that will run most of the windows applications.

If this is all you want you're just setting yourself up to be frustrated and disappointed. Stick to Linux apps, WINE and it's ilk should be seen as a last resort only.

Will the drivers for video cards work well enough using Linux to be worth the test?

Depends on the hardware, nVidia and ATI both put out drivers that while non-free work well enough. I haven't messed with the ATI stuff though I know a few that have, personally I have the nVidia drivers on 2 machines and haven't had too many problems with them.