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Play On Linux

New Ubuntu users can often find Wine to be intimidating and difficult to use. PlayOnLinux simplifies much of this and makes installing and using Windows programs in Ubuntu easier.

This how-to is so that both new users, and other users who find Wine too confusing, can nevertheless use it easily.

Disclaimers and Warnings

Why use PlayOnLinux?

  1. GUI; no need for the command line interface (CLI).
  2. Hides the complexity of Wine.
  3. Uses "virtual drives" (see notes below).
  4. Some applications are "supported" (e.g. Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player, Microsoft Office, Spore); PlayOnLinux automates their installation.

  5. You can manually install "unsupported" applications.

What is a "virtual drive"?

Cons

What alternatives are there?

How to install PlayOnLinux

Use the latest available version (optional)

  1. Open the Ubuntu Software Centre > Edit > Software Sources > Other Software > Add.

  2. In APT line, type the following (replace "precise" with your distro, e.g. "lucid", if you have an earlier version):

      deb http://deb.playonlinux.com/ precise main
  3. Press Add Source.
  4. Close the window; open a terminal and enter the following. (If you don't like the terminal, open Update Manager instead and select Check.)

      sudo apt-get update

Install PlayOnLinux

  1. Open the Ubuntu Software Centre.
  2. Search for playonlinux.

  3. Install.

"Initialise" PlayOnLinux

aRefreshing.png

  1. But the very first time you run it, PlayOnLinux will lead you through a process to download the Microsoft fonts. You must be connected to the Internet and agree to the license conditions.

aInitial.png


Follow the instructions.

How to install a "supported" Windows program

aInternet Explorer 8.png

  1. Press Install.
  2. For some programs, e.g. Microsoft Office or Spore, you will need the original (legal) CD, DVD or purchased download.
  3. Follow the instructions.
    Remember: when the installation asks if you want to restart your computer, this applies to your pretend Windows machine, and not to your Ubuntu machine; you can safely go ahead and press the Windows restart button. PlayOnLinux will intelligently realise what is happening and restart your virtual installation without affecting your Ubuntu session.

  4. Once installed, you will see a launcher on your desktop (which you can delete if you want), and another on the PlayOnLinux window. Double-click either of them to open and test the application.

aIE8 installed.png

How to install an "unsupported" Windows program

aSelect installation file.png

  1. Follow the prompts, which will depend on the application you are installing.
  2. Once installed, you will see a launcher on your desktop (which you can delete if you want), and another on the PlayOnLinux window. Double-click either of them to open the application.

How to uninstall a Windows program

What if my application does not appear?


Originally posted The Ubuntu Forums (ubuntuforums.org)

PlayOnLinux (last edited 2012-07-18 10:40:46 by host86-130-25-119)