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I have an old computer and decided to play with it. No IT background, just user experience.

I am using computer -extensively- (10+ hours every day).

I dedided to try Linux - Ubuntu (as a newbie friendly version of Linux).

However I struggle to launch crucial software, which is Office 365, UiPath robotic process automation software, Teachmaster vocabulary software, local accounting software from my country among others.

This is a serious issue for me and I dont believe Ubuntu hasnt solved it over the years. I googled a lot and after two days decided to ask here, because Ive found some workarounds like using LibreOffice instead of 365 (but I dont want to switch because of many reasons), I run process automation in UiPath daily, same with accounting soft.

Is there any way how to run those programs? I dont consider Wine (they dont support my soft) or VirtualBox an option (whats the point of switching to Ubuntu if I need to run Windows all the day inside it?)

Please help, because I could not find anything reasonable on the web and I just simply cannot believe that Ubuntu is unable to run omnipresent .exe format.

Thank you a lot.

K7AAY
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Ubuntu Test
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    Exe files are for Windows only. You can run some of them using wine. You mentioned alternatives already: use linux software, or Windows in virtualbox. – Pilot6 Jan 23 '20 at 09:47
  • Hi Pilot6, thank you for the answer. So if I understand correctly in order to use my accounting software (for example) I have to run Windows in the virtualbox all day? But what is the point of Ubuntu then if you cannot run any program on it? :-( – Ubuntu Test Jan 23 '20 at 09:53
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    Where does you assumption, that Unix/Linux should be able to run Windows Software, come from? If, in your oppinion, the fact that Unix/Linux can not run Windows software is unbelievable an unreasonable, then why are you using Linux? If you rely on software written for windows, then you best bet would be a Microsoft OS. – BulletBob Jan 23 '20 at 09:56
  • Hi @StrabagISS_Krall it comes from the fact, that I was unaware that .exe is Windows only. This week is really my first experience with other desktop OS than Windows. Sorry for newbie question and unawareness. – Ubuntu Test Jan 23 '20 at 10:03
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    I just simply cannot believe that Ubuntu is unable to run omnipresent .exe format Neither is macOS, AFAIK. Some of your software could exist for macOS but it would be in a form usable on OSX, not as .EXE. – xenoid Jan 23 '20 at 12:47
  • I just simply cannot believe that Ubuntu is unable to run omnipresent .exe format Ubuntu is a version of Linux, and Linux is designed as 'Open Source' https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open-source_software. EXE is a file format for Windows, and Windows is Closed Source https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proprietary_software ; Microsoft does not provide its source code to Linux developers, which would be required for Linux to infallibly run .EXE apps. In short, blame Microsoft. – K7AAY Jan 23 '20 at 17:50

1 Answers1

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To get a .exe under Linux running, try Wine. If wine won't work, use a virtualization (preferred VirtualBox). As you don't want use these solution, my suggestion is to leave the 'old world'. Search for replacements.

  • crucial software

What did this software do? Just set a few parameters for your hard drive in a not transparent, proprietary way. Try f.ex. hdparm as replacement and learn how hard drives works. Then you don't have to struggle, If you'll switch to another vendor some time.

  • Office 365

This is a hard One. LibreOffice/OpenOffice will work for simple tasks. But if you are using Excel for real, it is itchy. Some tasks can be done with the online Version (https://portal.office.com). On the bright side, MS is developing a Teams Client for Linux, I think the Office will follow soon.

  • UiPath robotic process automation software

It is an enterprise solution. Most automation should be more or less easy replaceable by python/perl/bash/... But this is an own topic to discuss. If you need it for work: Your company should provide you a system.

  • Teachmaster vocabulary software

There are some vocabulary trainers available. Take a look at projects like Debian Edu, Edubuntu, ...

  • local accounting software from my country

Is there a Cloud Version?

  • among others.

... Just search for alternatives. Sometimes they are better.
Winamp -> Audacious
irfanview/acdsee -> geeqie icq/aol/msn/... -> pidgin
Adobe Photoshop -> GIMP/Inkscape (only for amateur use)
and so on.

LupusE
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  • Hello, thank you for your answer. I am not interested to switch from Office 365, seriously its the best tool out there. Tried web version, but it is unable to open files over 5mb in size - so massive pivot table files will not be opened at all. Libre/Open office is a joke comparing to 365 :( But I am installing VirtualBox at the moment and I will try to use Win inside Linux just to try and learn - but I dont think I will stick to such solution. – Ubuntu Test Jan 23 '20 at 10:44