In the post about running windows apps on Linux, my friend Suraj had told us about the software Wine and its ability to run Windows apps on linux.
But wait, how would it be if those popular windows software have got their own Linux versions? Yes,they do! Many software developers like Google and Adobe, noticing the increase in number of Linux users, have released their products for Linux platform!
And here’s a list of those Windows software which have been released for Linux:
Google Chrome: A fast and safe web browser by Google.Inc. The name is derived from the graphical user interface frame, or “chrome”, of web browsers.It combines a minimal design with sophisticated technology to make the web faster, safer, and easier. It’s Linux version is available here.
Opera Web Browser: Another fast and reliable web browser with awesome plug-ins and widgets. Its security features include built-in phishing and malwareprotection, strong encryption when browsing secure websites, and the ability to easily delete private data such as HTTP cookies. It’s Linux version is available here.
Adobe Reader: A cool PDF(Portable Document Format) reader by Adobe.Inc. It is available as a no-charge download from Adobe’s website, and allows viewing and printing of PDF files. And here is it’s Linux version: Click to Download.
Google Picasa: An image organizer and image viewer for organizing and editing digital photos, plus an integrated photo-sharing website, originally created by Idealab and owned by Google since 2004. Originally developed for Windows, is now available for Linux. Here is it’s Linux version: Click to download.
Google Earth: A virtual globe, map and geographic information program that was originally called EarthViewer 3D, and was created by Keyhole, Inc, a company acquired by Google in 2004. It maps the Earth by the superimposition of images obtained from satellite imagery, aerial photography and GIS 3D globe. It’s free Linux Version is available here.
Realplayer: It is a closed source cross-platform media player by RealNetworks that plays a number of multimedia formats including MP3, MPEG-4, QuickTime, Windows Media, and multiple versions of proprietary RealAudio and RealVideo formats. And here is it’s basic Linux version: Click to Download.
Audacity: A cross-platform digital audio editor and recording application created by Dominic Mazzoni, a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University. It is available for Windows, Mac and Linux. And here is it’s Linux version: Click to Download.
Mozilla Firefox: A free and open source web browser developed by Mozilla Corp. Now, Mozilla Firefox, is a pre-installed app if u choose Ubuntu Linux. In others, you’ll have to download it’s “.BZ2” file from here, and install it.
To Install a ‘.DEB’ file:
- Copy the ‘.deb’ file to the home folder.
- Open Terminal.[Applications->Accessories]
- Type in “sudo dpkg -i the exact name of your deb file”.
- Then it prompts you for your root password. Type it in.
- And leave the Terminal to do the rest. After its done, you’ll find the app in the Applications menu.
You’ll notice that the similarity between these Linux versions and their Windows counterparts is remarkable. Awesome, isn’t it? Install these software as per the instructions provided and enjoy! 🙂
