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Sometimes, there's a Linux app that I'd like to run in Windows (XP). Is there something similar to Wine that will do it?

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Linux is FREE, why can't you just run it in a VM or just switch to Linux? – LiraNuna Sep 7 '09 at 20:58
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@LiraNuna: because not everyone wants to wait for a VM to boot up to run one fricken app or has found suitable equivalents for all their software needs to switch. – AnonJr Sep 8 '09 at 0:19
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8 Answers

up vote 15 down vote accepted

It really depends on the app. You can accomplish a lot with Cygwin, for instance. Especially if the app is command line.

I usually keep a Virtual Machine of Xubuntu (using VirtualBox or VMware) around for just such purposes though. Easier, more features and full compatibility.

[Edit] You might also have a look at andLinux. Runs a bit more integrated than the VM options.

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+1, Cygwin it is. – nik Sep 7 '09 at 15:58
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cygwin is not anything like wine, as the app need be recompiled – Joakim Elofsson Sep 7 '09 at 16:02
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My logic for suggesting cygwin is that source is often available. I've had reasonable success rebuilding command line apps (or finding them already in the cygwin 'repos') – Chris_K Sep 7 '09 at 16:04
Since Linux/UNIX is an entirely different ecosystem which usually requires recompiles even when changing from one platform to another that comparison is not entirely fair. It's only reasonable to assume a recompile on Windows too. Still, I'd prefer a VM to cygwin and if it were only to avoid having cygwin on my machine. – Joey Sep 7 '09 at 19:41
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up vote 5 down vote

coLinux can run Linux along with Windows.

As they say:

Cooperative Linux is the first method for optimally running Linux on Windows and other operating systems natively. It is a port of the Linux kernel and support code that allows it to run cooperatively without emulation along with another operating system

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up vote 3 down vote

Checkout cygwin.

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up vote 3 down vote

You could try running a linux distribution as a Virtual Machine.

One advantage of linux being Free/Open Source Software is that you can run it as a VM without any licensing issues. This isn't quite like wine, but should be even better in terms of compatibility.

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up vote 0 down vote

Try virtual PC: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/download.aspx If I remember right, the license allows you to use any older windows versions if you have a already a legal license for the 'host' system.

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up vote 0 down vote

You could try a gentoo prefix installation in Windows:

http://blog.jolexa.net/2009/08/31/gentoo-prefixwindows/

Haven't tried it yet myself but sounds pretty cool and usable.

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up vote 0 down vote

LIMO - very similar tool to coLinux.

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up vote -1 down vote

Try Wuby

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1. it's wubi not Wuby :), 2. wubi doesn't allow for running both OS simultaneously. although wubi is a great way for beginners to Ubuntu, i'll vote it down as not suitable in this case. -1 – Molly7244 Sep 7 '09 at 21:08
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