Re: First time WINE user looking for tutorial
On 10/10/2021 05:47 PM, Tom Dial wrote:
On 10/10/21 04:14, Richard Owlett wrote:
On 10/09/2021 10:24 AM, Patrick Bartek wrote:
On Sat, 9 Oct 2021 09:40:21 -0500
Richard Owlett <rowlett@cloud85.net> wrote:
(Omitted)
Just be forewarned, WINE is not the catchall solution to running
Windows apps: The more involved codewise the program is like games or
Photoshop, the more problems you'll have.
For context, I've been providing informal support to a local couple for
decades. He is a retired pastor, now a missionary. They need a new
computer and as part of my support, I'll be purchasing a replacement. As
I've not used Windows since WinXP and they are pure Windows users I
planned to dual boot Windows and Debian. Debian primarily for its
maintenance tools. I hope WINE will run enough of their "must have" apps
that I can use that as a selling point to move from Windows to Linux.
In those cases, just run Windows in a virtual machine which is what I do
for ALL Windows apps I need. Less or virtually no gotchas!
On my personal machines I would have no motivation to install a VM.
However, I'll investigate the pros/cons of having their machine run a VM
in which I would run Debian as a demo.
Full disclosure: I have not run WINE for 20 years or more, and assume
without argument that it is much improved over what it was then. I run
VMs regularly under Linux (using KVM), but the current ones are either
Linux or FreeBSD; I haven't done a Windows VM for years.
That said, it is not the right solution for the problem you describe.
And with due respect to Patrick, I do not think running windows in a
(presumably) Linux VM is a good solution either.
Description tangled as well being in flux.
I will supply them with a Windows machine. For my convenience it will
have a VM running Debian. The only use being considered now for WINE is
my personal home machines.
I have supported my wife's various computers for about 25 years under an
oral service agreement providing that I will install software as
requested, maintain the OS and installed software regularly, analyze and
correct software and hardware problems as necessary, and replace the
hardware as appropriate. That, and no more, under threat of Serious
Issues. That has brought the suffering of Windows 95, now long in the
past, and over time reinforced the validity of the first rule I was
given as a novice mainframe system programmer 30 years ago: "We install
vanilla."
Running an emulator like WINE, or Windows in a Linux (?) VM, would
likely lead to operational issues arising from interfaces that are not
overly well documented and therefore hard to analyze. Resolution often
would have to based on web search results of uncertain accuracy and
reliability, and consequent false starts and customer dissatisfaction.
Either would cause you excessive work and likely enough bring
unhappiness to both you and those you aim to assist.
Agreed.
I recommend you select, with your users' concurrence, a suitable factory
refurbished business-grade laptop[1] from a major manufacturer. I have
used HP, but Dell, Lenovo, and maybe others probably have similar
programs. Refurbished business laptops are a bit costlier than new
consumer laptops with comparable performance, but they also are built to
a higher standard of reliability and come with significantly less
preloaded crapware. They also (HP experience here) may have useful built
in diagnostic tools and support software/firmware maintenance support,
and they come with a full new unit warranty; in my experience, any
defects are minor and cosmetic.
I've already talking to such a local vendor. I've bought several Lenovos
from them and have observed how they interact with non-tech customers.
Also, IIUC they can provide on customer site service.
For the use case you describe, I also recommend a service agreement, if
available, that provides pick up and delivery service. The HP ones
(presently $137 for three year coverage) are fairly inexpensive. While
they are unlikely to be used, I consider them worthwhile unless there is
a serious cost constraint).
Such equipment will come with preinstalled and configured Windows, and
current Microsoft maintenance support is quite good and relatively
trouble free. And when problems do arise, Microsoft or manufacturer
support is likely to be usable to resolve it; they certainly will be as
good as random WWW support for a home-brew OS and software setup.
Linux tools are undeniable useful in some cases, but will rarely be
necessary for a vanilla or nearly vanilla Windows setup. For those
instances where they are, it always is nice to have a bootable CD, DVD,
or USB key with Linux and a set of common tools on it. I generally use a
recent Debian DVD #1 for this and install any missing tools as necessary
once it is booted and running.
Having Debian in a VM would be nice, but not a deal breaker.
Regards
Tom Dial
[1] Manufacturers also will offer refurbished business desktop or
workstation equipment. I like laptops not only for their portability,
but because, having only one piece, they simpler to deal with.
Are there good FOSS or low cost VMs for Windows machines?
Thanks
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