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Wine is an open-source project that offers the ability to run Windows programs under Linux (or any other open-source OS). Finally, a chance to run Windows apps for which there are no open-source equivslents - Quicken or Flash CS, say. And all those games! To get the most out of Wine, however, you need to hack. Often, getting Wine to deliver is a black art, and not for novices.

Installation wizards can help. Some are commercial, proprietary projects. If you'd prefer something open-source and free, try Wine-Doors. Below are installation instructions, for Ubuntu 9.04. Before installing any Wine application, though it's a good idea to install the Microsoft Core Web Fonts (Arial, Times New Roman,and so on), which many Windows apps expect. You can install them either by copying the .ttf files from a Windows installation or by installing msttcorefonts package. Fonts that are not in this package, but which some applications might need, including Tahoma and MS Sans; you can find them on the Web. To import fonts from Windows, find them in the C:\windows\fonts directory. Copy all the .ttf files to a USB memory stick create a folder in your /home directory called .fonts (note the period)and place them there.

Installing Wine-Doors and Windows Apps

Open System· Administration·Software sources, and click the Third Party tab. Click Add and type deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/wine-doors-dev-team/ppa/ubuntu intrepid main on one line.

Click the Close button and refresh the repository listings when prompted. Afterward, use Synaptic to install the package. Wine-Doors will appear on the Applications·Wine Menu which is where you'll also find any Windows applications you install in the future.

When it starts for the first time you'll need to fill in your name and company details, information that will be used when you're installing Windows apps. Optionally you can tick the I have a windows license box in order to install certain system components and add-ons

When you click Proceed, it will update itself with the latest list of installation scripts and then show you a list of applications and games. Click the Install link alongside anything you want and then click Apply With any Wine installation, you'll find your apps in the .wine/drive_c directory of your /home folder.