If I installed Linux to my PC (probably 64 bit version) would most of my programs stop working? I use my PC mostly for Graphics (Photoshop), CAD (AutoCAD & Sketchup) and a few games. Will these function seemlessly with Linux or should I stick with my Windows XP x64?

1. Thanks.
2. nothing in windows works in linux….unless….you dual boot….
3. Many programs aren't natively supported by Linux, however there are solutions to running windows applications within Linux using a program called Wine.

   http://www.winehq.com/

   Wine is a Win32 API implementation for Linux. You would want to use Wine mostly for applications such as Photoshop. Although it supports several games, its main focus is on application.

   There is a game oriented implementation of Wine called Cedega.

   http://www.transgaming.com/

   Unfortunately Cedega requires you to purchase a license to use it. One thing to note though, is that Cedega does not support GameGuard. So any games that use GameGuard will not be able to run. This is likely due to the rootkit nature of GameGuard, and I do not expect it to implemented any time soon.

   Here are some games that use GameGuard:

   Lineage
   FlyFF
   Gun Bound
   Rakion
   Ragnarok
   MU
   Prinston Tale
   Phantasy Star Online

4. As has been pointed out Windows programmes don't work with Linux. If you just want to try Linux out there is a solution. You could buy a copy of Micro Mart computer magazine, it's only £1.99 and you will find adverts in the classified at the back from a guy called Linuxman. I have used him and he is dead reliable. He supplies CD's of most Linux distro's including Ubuntu. Many are what is known as live CDs, you boot with the Cd in your drive and Linux runs from the CD. It is obviously slower but it does not install anything to your Hard Drive. This way you can try out various versions without affecting your Windows install. As someone pointed out you acn set up Linux to dual boot alongside Windows. On starting up you get the option of which OS to run Hope this helps.

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