Ubuntu compatibility

Question

I tried using Mandrake a few years ago, but dropped it because of compatibility issues with Microsoft Office. Is it possible to install programs designed for Windows on Ubuntu? e.g., Microsoft Office, S-Plus, Matlab, computer games, etc... I use excel macros extensively and like to program in vba, and I am afraid that Open Office products like Calc will not recognize vba code. Also, if other programs cannot be used in linux, then what's the point? I would like to make the switch to linux permanently, but I have to stick with Windows unless I can be assured that linux can do everything that Windows can.

sultanaofpersia · Answer

To run some Windows programs in Linux, you need an emulator, such as Wine, or Crossover Office (which one has to pay for...something like $40 or so). Not sure which version of Office will run under Wine or Crossover Office...Maybe up to 2000? Some games can be played (WoW I know for sure), but again, using Wine or other emulators (Cedega? Isn't that the name of it?). Just from your description, though, it may be better for you to stick with Windows for your main OS...and use Linux as something to learn/play around with. One can dual boot Windows and Linux. That way, you can work in Windows, then learn the Linux environment. Openoffice.org makes a Windows version, so you can check it out without moving to Linux to see if what you need will work with it.

davesmith2006 · Answer

Looks like the CodeWeavers CrossOver Linux code officially supports Microsoft Office 2003, but it says that the Excel VBA support isn't great.

Wine does have good support for some windows applications running on Linux. See appdb.winehq.org and search the compatibilty database to see if the apps you want are supported out of the box.

It seems that there are some things that some applications in Linux can't do. It could be a matter of time until they are present, or they are seen as unimportant. Talking to developers of products is a good way to find out when they expect to have that functionality (or even if they intend to put it in!)

I'd suggest going to some of the projects, such as Open Office and asking them what they're plan is for some of the features you are looking for.

Dave

hotshotDJ · Answer

aw78:

The best operating environment for applications designed for Windows(TM) is Windows(TM). Things like Wine and its siblings such as Crossover Office, are helpful when a person has one or two Windows(TM) applications that they cannot immediately replace. It looks to me like you want to replace your Operating system without replacing the applications. Linux is NOT a clone of Windows(TM) nor a drop-in replacement for it.

MatLab and S-Plus both have Linux versions. However, Microsoft Office and VBA do not. You may be better off sticking with Windows(TM) since you seem to be locked into Microsoft's proprietary scripting language. Switching to Linux and OpenOffice would require that you learn new ways to do things. If you don't WANT to learn new ways of doing things (and that is certainly fair!) then Linux may not be for you.

Linux General

Ubuntu compatibility

Was this post helpful?