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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, 2009 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, 2009 at 0:19

7 Answers 7

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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, 2009 at 15:58
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    cygwin is not anything like wine, as the app need be recompiled Sep 7, 2009 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, 2009 at 16:04
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    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, 2009 at 19:41
  • andLinux based on coLinux, and unfortunately they both can only be installed on 32 bit Windows versions, not 64.
    – kirogasa
    Jan 11, 2023 at 16:35
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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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3

Checkout cygwin.

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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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  • Virtual Machine supposedly require more CPU and RAM than coLinux, but are good at a network support.
    – kirogasa
    Jan 11, 2023 at 16:23
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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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  • The link points to a 404 page...
    – kirogasa
    Jan 11, 2023 at 16:44
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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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0

LIMO - very similar tool to coLinux.

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