__(How do I run my Windows programs in Ubuntu?)

__(Ubuntu is based upon GNU/Linux.) __(This means, that, like with Mac, you need to run specially designed software.) __(Many programs, such as Firefox, are also available in Linux versions,) __(whilst many other peices of software have Linux compatible alternatives.) __(For example,) __(rather than Microsoft Office, you could use Libre Office.)

__(Sometimes, however, this isn't possible,) __(maybe you have spent money on the windows version or the Linux version is simply a bit too confusing.) __(In which case there are a few alternatives.)

  1. __(Wine is a compatability layer, which basically translates what the program is saying into a format which Linux understands.)
  2. __(A virtual pc, is where a program acts like a computer, and you can run Windows or any other operating system, on that program.) __(So if you install Windows on a virtual pc, you would be able to install Windows programs onto that.)

__(Press Next to continue the tour,) __(where we will show how how to setup these kind of sollutions) __(and the various pros and cons of each.) __(We will also show you where to look for free Linux versions of your software.)