Install Windows apps
If all else fails, use Wine to run Windows programs in Linux.
The best way to run applications in your new Linux Mint install is natively, but if there’s a specific Windows program you can’t do without then it may be possible to get it running. What you’ll need is a special program called Wine, which uses some clever trickery to use parts of Windows, enabling you to run many Windows programs as if they were native Linux ones.
Wine can be a tricky tool to master, but thanks to the free PlayOnLinux tool, you can get many popular applications up and running with the minimum of fuss. Open the Software Manager, then search for ‘PlayOnLinux’. Click ‘Install’ and it’ll automatically download and install Wine.
Once installed, launch PlayOnLinux and allow it walk you through the first-use wizard. You’ll be left with a blank window, so click the ‘Install’ button to get started. The Install menu allows you to search for programs or browse by category, with options including Games, Graphics and Office. Once you’ve found a program you want to install, select it and click the ‘Install’ button. You may need to supply the program’s installation disc, while commercial applications will require a licence and – if applicable – activation. Just follow the wizard through – PlayOnLinux simplifies the process of installing any supported applications because it knows which additional components need downloading and how to configure them.
PlayOnLinux’s supported applications database is relatively small – aside from MicrosoftOffice, notable examples include Spotify, QuickTimePlayer and Adobe Photoshop (CS4 or CS6 only). That’s because it primarily focuses on games. If you find the application you want isn’t listed, don’t worry – Wine supports more programs than those listed by PlayOnLinux, but the install process is a more complicated. Start by checking https://appdb.winehq.org to see if the application is supported. If it’s present, you’ll see a list of tested versions, complete with rating ranging from Platinum all the way down to Garbage. Anything rated Bronze or better is likely to work in Wine, although you may find some glitches occur. Once done, follow the step-by-step guide ( see below) to attempt installation through PlayOnLinux’s manual option. If you run into problems, consult the web pages for more advice, or try experimenting with different settings, but hopefully you’ll end up with an application that does at least perform most key functions without problems.
Application configuration
Each program exists inside its own virtual space, which you can tweak by selecting it on the main PlayOnLinux screen and clicking ‘Configure’. Most advanced configuration options are found under the Wine tab – click ‘Configure Wine’ to access a multi-tabbed dialogue box with lots of additional tweaks.
Wine should automatically map your home folders to their equivalent locations in the virtual drive, but make other locations more easily accessible from the Drive tab. Click ‘Add’, select a drive letter and then browse to the directory. Look under the /media folder for separate drives. Once selected, it’ll now be accessible within the program via the drive letter you allocated to it.
If there’s no mention of it at in the Wine HQ database, don’t assume it won’t work: you can’t harm Linux, so feel free to try, using the program’s website to determine what additional components (such as the .NET Framework) you might need. All of this should get you off to a solid and happy start to using Linux. Keep exploring and have fun!