this post was submitted on 07 Sep 2025
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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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What's the best option to run Solidworks in Linux? (lemmy.dbzer0.com)
submitted 1 month ago by aprehendedmerlin@lemmy.dbzer0.com to c/linux@lemmy.ml
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Hi everyone — I recently migrated to Linux Mint and overall my experience has been excellent, but I still rely on several Windows applications (notably SolidWorks, among others). Aside from dual-booting, which I really prefer to avoid, running these programs inside a Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC virtual machine in VMware Workstation appears to be the most viable option. However, I am uncertain how to implement this setup and whether it is the optimal solution. What would you recommend I do?

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[–] Fubarberry@sopuli.xyz 24 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (2 children)

WinBoat or WinApps might work for you. They're very similar in function afaik, they both run a windows vm hidden in the background and integrate the windows apps alongside your Linux programs. It's supposed to be fully compatible with all windows program except kernel anti-cheat.

WinBoat is newer and I think offers a nicer interface and a lot easier setup, WinApps is older so may be easier to find support/documentation on. I'd probably recommend starting with WinBoat first.

[–] interdimensionalmeme@lemmy.ml 2 points 1 month ago (1 children)

I haven't tried those but I'm curious, how do you get the image of the app inside the VM ?

Does it get windows' window decoration or your window manager's decoration ?

Is it possible to display this application window to another computer, standalone, not as a whole desktop shared window ?

If it is possible to display such an application over the network, would it be possible to display this application to an android phone ?

thanks

[–] Fubarberry@sopuli.xyz 1 points 1 month ago

Unfortunately I haven't used it either, so I can't answer your questions on this. I don't have a personal need for any windows apps on my machines, outside of steam games.

[–] SlartyBartFast@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 month ago (1 children)

are WinBoat and WinApps comparable with WINE?

[–] Fubarberry@sopuli.xyz 5 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Wine is a compatibility layer, it works as a translator to let windows programs run on linux. You can think of it like having a translator who allows two people with different languages to talk to each other and work together.

WinBoat is completely different, this is actually running full windows in the background, and then only displaying the apps you want from it. There will be significantly more system resources used, and you won't be able to run windows apps until the windows VM has started in the background, adding a startup delay. However the advantage is that it will support more software than wine does, with fewer issues.

Wine will always be the better option when it works, but for stuff that doesn't work this is a decent option.