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Hey people, As I am growing very, very tired of windows and it's platform, I am looking for alternatives. I am purchasing myself a new power mac shortly, and as for my current PC, I would like to switch it to Linux. As I play lots of games, I was wondering if there is a Linux version that can support lots of Windows applications and games. Applications aren't such a concern for me because I try to use as little Windows programs as possible, and I have just currently switched to OpenOffice rather than MS Office. I was looking around and found a version called 'Wine'. Can somebody please tell me the pros and cons of this version, and any other version that can support windows applications (Mostly just games).

[admiralfreak]

Wine is a good program but it doesn't support all games. I have gotten the one game that I tried to work (4x4 EVO 2) the only problem is that there was no sound. If you check out any linux forums there will probably already be a ton of info there.

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Does anybody know if it can run Steam along with Counter-Strike: Source?

[yeokm1]

There is one software which is Vmware. This can allow you to run Windows in Linux. You can run your games in this virtual Windows OS. Performance may take a hit.Another one would be Crossover office. This software creates a compatibility layer for the window applications to run. http://en.wikipedia....over_OfficeNote that these software are commercial ones and you need to pay for them. For your case, Wine would be sufficient. However, it is true that many software including games cannot run on it. Games that need Direct X 8.1 and above are not supported. Integrated sound cards are usually not supported.If you really want to play your Windows games, create a dual-boot environment.

[JOsterheim]

You could also go over to www.winehq.com and check their lists of programs that work, work some of the time or not at all.

[Telkwa]

If gaming is a priority for you, then your best bet is to stick with Windows. Or at least a dual-boot. With DX10 coming out in Vista, Linux' inability to run games as well as Windows widens.Yeah, I know, you can run some games in WINE, but first off, lots of games aren't going to work in that environment, and second off, gamers want frame rate and it just doesn't make any sense to spend a bunch of money on hardware to run your games fast, then use a convoluted software setup that chops your gaming experience off at the knees.There is no easy path to run games without Windows right now.