Exploring the JDS Linux Desktop

Chapter 9. Using Windows Applications with JDS

You have now become conversant with the core programs of the Java Desktop System. Although you can see the power of the many Linux applications available on JDS, you may still have a need for software used on Windows computers. JDS can run Windows programs by using:

• Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) clients, which connect to a Windows Terminal Server

• Native Linux Windows emulators

• Virtual servers, which run on the GNOME desktop

We examine each of these, with the greatest focus on the use of native Linux Windows emulators.

In the past, people who had conflicts between software and operating systems would partition their hard drives and dual boot. If they needed to use Visio for drawing flow charts, they would boot into Windows, but if they ran a suite of Enterprise Applications, they would boot back into Linux. People consider dual booting tedious and unproductive.

Several solutions assist people to use Windows and Linux software together; most of these are found on the Linux side. In this chapter, we introduce you to the major solutions and offer installation details for a promising and popular solution: CodeWeavers’ CrossOver Office.

Tip

We define emulation as a process of imitation (simulation) of one computer system by another. The imitating program, or device (emulator), accepts the same data, executes the same programs, and achieves the same results as the system it imitates.

Remote Desktop Protocol

JDS comes with a built-in client that ...