Noob Linux running Windows software question

[Netspeed]

I've searched the posts and it seems as though Linux can run windows-based software. Is that true and is there any additional software that will aid the process?

I'm building a PC for my home-based business and I want to run Ubuntu 6.10 but I need to make sure that it can run the predominately-Windows-based software. If anyone knows of any great Linux-based software for the mortgage industry, I'd love to hear about it.

Thanks for any and all input.

 

[bmouring]

This kind of application (a relatively obscure, very specific application only written for Windows) is one of the major reasons WINE came about, which this is undoubtedly what you were referring to.

There are many, many great how-to's out there to get WINE up and running, however for the path of least resistance, you might want to look for distro-specific instructions. For Ubuntu, this is a fine place to start learning how to setup and use WINE.

If the application is really finicky and just won't run under WINE, you can always look into running a virtual machine running Windows to allow use of the specific app.

 

[Netspeed]

Thanks for the info! Any good tutorials on setting up a virtual machine for Windows?

 

[bmouring]

But of course: for Qemu or for VMware Server.

For best performance, I'd suggest trying Wine first then setting up a virtual Windows install.

 

[Netspeed]

Thanks again!

 

[Netspeed]

I've got the computer components on order and I'm going to build it to run only on Ubuntu....we'll see what happens!

 

[linux_0]

I've got the computer components on order and I'm going to build it to run only on Ubuntu....we'll see what happens!

Cool :-D

I'd recommend you download and burn the following:


http://mirrors.kernel.org/ubuntu-releases/6.10/ubuntu-6.10-desktop-amd64.iso

http://mirrors.kernel.org/ubuntu-releases/6.10/ubuntu-6.10-desktop-i386.iso

You will not need the i386 ISO unless you want to run Ubuntu in 32bit.

What kind of hardware did you order by the way?


Grab the md5s to check the ISOs:

http://mirrors.kernel.org/ubuntu-releases/6.10/MD5SUMS

http://mirrors.kernel.org/ubuntu-releases/6.10/MD5SUMS.gpg


Here's a nice page on how to use md5sums on linux, windows and other platforms:

http://www.openoffice.org/dev_docs/using_md5sums.html


Checking the gpg signature is also a good idea, google for gpg+$your_os


GL :-D

 

[Netspeed]

Thanks for the links!

I'm building an Ultra Microfly with an ECS PM400 motherboard and an Intel Pentium D 805. Western Digital Caviar 16mb 250gig hard drive also.

 

[linux_0]

How much RAM are you putting in it?

Thanks for the links!

I'm building an Ultra Microfly with an ECS PM400 motherboard and an Intel Pentium D 805. Western Digital Caviar 16mb 250gig hard drive also.

 

[Netspeed]

2mb DDR PC3200

 

[linux_0]

I hope you meant 2GB :lol:

2GB will be great!


Be careful the 805 runs hot and uses a lot of power!

If you OC it expect it to run a lot hotter and use even more power.

2mb DDR PC3200

 

[Netspeed]

Oops! You're right...2GB. Tigerdirect as 1GB on sale for $69.99 after rebate ($50).

 

[linux_0]

What kind? Brand / model?

If you are going to OC you need really good RAM.

If you are not going to OC then it shouldn't matter much but make sure you memtest for 24-48 hours.

GL :-D

Oops! You're right...2GB. Tigerdirect as 1GB on sale for $69.99 after rebate ($50).

 

[Netspeed]

Ultra 1024mb DDR 400

No OC for me...it's strictly a work computer.

 

[linux_0]

ok :-D

I recommend running memtest for 24-48 hours

:-D

Ultra 1024mb DDR 400

No OC for me...it's strictly a work computer.

 

[Netspeed]

What's a "memtest"? I kind of figured it's a memory test but how and where?

 

[linux_0]

http://www.memtest.org/download/1.70/memtest86+-1.70.iso.gz

http://www.memtest.org/

a newer version of memtest86 from http://www.memtest86.com/


It is indeed a memory test and damn good one :-D

All you have to do is burn the ISO to a CD, boot from it and walk away for 24-48 hours.

If you do not already have ISO recording software you can use cdrecorder or K3b on Linux or the free ISORecorder for XP http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/download/ISORecorderV2RC1.msi

http://forumz.tomshardware.com/software/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=230767&highlight=


GL :-D

What's a "memtest"? I kind of figured it's a memory test but how and where?

 

[bmouring]

Fine suggestion as always linux_0. When people ask me to advise parts for a build, I always, always suggest they download the Ultimate Boot CD (as it's just a handy tool anyway) to run Memtest86(+) and one of the processor stressing tools (which can serve to test the processor, the motherboard to some extent, and the power supply).

Netspeed, the machine looks solid and you shouldn't have any foreseeable issues with any flavor of Ubuntu on it (check the md5 as linux_0 said to make sure it wasn't corrupted during download), however I was unable to find information on any ECS PM400, is it the ECS PM800 based on the VIA PM800 chipset or something else?

 

[Netspeed]

Fine suggestion as always linux_0. When people ask me to advise parts for a build, I always, always suggest they download the Ultimate Boot CD (as it's just a handy tool anyway) to run Memtest86(+) and one of the processor stressing tools (which can serve to test the processor, the motherboard to some extent, and the power supply).

Netspeed, the machine looks solid and you shouldn't have any foreseeable issues with any flavor of Ubuntu on it (check the md5 as linux_0 said to make sure it wasn't corrupted during download), however I was unable to find information on any ECS PM400, is it the ECS PM800 based on the VIA PM800 chipset or something else?

Thanks for the info! Where do I get the Ultimate Boot CD and is it for Ubuntu? As for the motherboard, I was typing off the top of my head. The box says "ECS P4M800PRO-M FSB 1066".

 

[linux_0]

http://public.www.planetmirror.com/pub/ubcd/3.4/ubcd34-full.zip :-D

 

[bmouring]

Ah, beat me to it, thanks as always

Netspeed, yes, it sounds like it's the one based on the VIA P4M800 chipset , well supported in Linux.