In recent explorations of running Windows applications on Linux, I ventured into various solutions, including WinApps and WinBoat, which utilize virtualization and FreeRDP. These methods have shown promise, but they often overlook a classic alternative: Wine. Unlike virtualization, which emulates Windows, Wine translates Windows API calls into POSIX calls in real time, allowing for a more seamless integration with the Linux environment. This approach generally results in lower overhead and improved performance, although it does come with its own set of limitations.
What works
Old apps are usually welcome
Wine shines brightest when it comes to older Windows applications, particularly those with stable APIs that have not undergone significant changes. For instance, I successfully installed Winaero Tweaker and ran portable versions of Photofiltre 7 and Textroom. While Photofiltre 7 exhibited some sluggishness in image loading, it remained functional. I also unearthed an old hard drive containing a totally legitimate copy of Adobe Photoshop CS6 from my school days, which installed smoothly, albeit with some minor visual glitches in the user interface. Nevertheless, the core functionality, including my favorite selection tool, worked well.
Another pleasant surprise was DoubleKiller, a tool I previously discussed for its utility in detecting duplicate files. It performed admirably on Linux, effectively identifying duplicates, though caution is advised when directing it towards system folders to avoid accidental deletions.
Curious about gaming, I downloaded Re-Volt, specifically the RVGL fan project designed for modern hardware. Although this project has a native Linux version, I opted to test the Windows iteration. To my delight, it ran flawlessly during my brief play session, with only minor framerate differences compared to the native version. I also attempted to install Microsoft Office 2016, but without an activation key, I was unable to proceed. Other applications, such as classic Windows 7 games, showed promise during installation but ultimately crashed upon launch.
Modern apps are a problem
Virtualization is more reliable
My experiences with running Windows applications through WinApps were mixed. While I encountered challenges with certain apps, others like Microsoft Office and Affinity Photo 2 functioned adequately. However, Wine’s performance with modern applications was notably disappointing. I struggled to launch installers for Adobe Creative Cloud and Affinity Photo 2, while the latest versions of Microsoft 365 failed to initiate altogether. WPS Office, which I had previously used through WinApps, encountered installation issues with Wine, often crashing during setup and failing to allow file creation or editing.
The Wine team acknowledges that newer applications are less likely to succeed due to their complex UIs and advanced features, which can complicate compatibility. This reality raises questions about the appeal of Wine, particularly among users who may not be exclusively interested in older applications.
WinApps is imperfect, but it’s still better
More apps are supported, at the expense of performance
Reflecting on my experiences, I find myself leaning towards WinApps when I require a Windows application on my Linux system. The older applications that run well through Wine hold little interest for me, and the challenges associated with modern apps diminish Wine’s appeal. However, the performance of the applications that do run on Wine is commendable. The ability to play Re-Volt is a testament to Wine’s capabilities, and for those nostalgic for classic games, it offers a viable solution.
Native Linux apps would be ideal
Ultimately, none of these solutions can rival the experience of using native applications. While I hold little hope for Adobe to port its software to Linux, the prospect of Affinity Photo or WPS Office receiving robust support would be a welcome development for users seeking seamless functionality on their Linux systems.
