Many Linux users are faced with the question “How can I use windows applications on Linux? Can I use windows applications on Linux? Are there any Linux alternatives for Windows applications? Here, this article will answer your questions. This article will give you details of alternatives applications you can use on Linux. On the other hand, for those who are still using Windows OS but want to migrate to Linux OS, you can do so and you would not be faced with any problems concerning which applications you can use.
Before we begin, I would love to tell you that both Linux and Window OS are separate independent Operating System which they cannot be sharing applications, although some applications can still be installed on both Linux and Windows. The list of software or application that would be sharing with you now would give you the choice whether to continue using Windows OS or to proceed using or migrating to Linux.
The list of Linux alternatives For windows applications
However, there are peculiar applications on both OS similar in function. I will focus on some windows applications which include:
- Instant Messenger
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Note Pad
- Internet explorer
- Paint
- Nero burn
- Microsoft Window Media Player
- Windows Movie Maker
- Adobe Reader
- Windows Photo Viewer
Windows Software and its alternatives on Linux
1. Instant Messenger
This is Windows AOL instant messenger such as yahoo messenger. The alternatives for this application on Linux include:
- pidging
- InstantBird
- Gajim
- Skype
- Kopete
2. Microsoft Office Suit
Everyone is familiar with the importance and the use of Windows Office packages. Although it does not come with windows, it is a software you would have to buy by yourself. However, the alternative for Microsoft office Suit is LibreOffice.
Also Read: Windows 10 20H2 (released in October 2020) Update: New Features and changes
LibreOffice has many amazing features like a PDF converter. A file created in Microsoft Office can be open and edited on LibreOffice.
Other Linux Alternatives include:
- AbiWord
- Open office.
3. Notepad
Note pad is a typing tool built with Windows. There are several alternative applications you can use in Linux. The alternative to Notepad include:
- tpad
- Nedit
- Jedit
- gedit
- Leafpad
- Kate.
4. Internet explorer
An internet explorer is an inbuilt software on Windows and it is used for browsing. Although we do have Linux alternatives to internet explorer even on Windows and that is Firefox.
Firefox is an alternative to internet explorer both on Windows and Linux and customization is one of its amazing features.
Other Linux alternatives for windows applications include:
- Epiphany
- Konqueror
- Opera mini.
5. Paint
One of the inbuilt Windows software is Paint. This can be used for painting, drawing, and editing pictures. You may want to try the alternative on Linux OS. These includes:
- Pencil
- KolourPaint
- Pinta
- Tuxpaint.
6. Nero
Nero is used for burning disk and this makes it essential for you to get an alternative to it because Nero is not supported by Linux OS.
Examples of an alternative to Nero are
- X CD Roast
- Xfburn
- K3b
- Brasero
- Graveman
- Gnomebreaker.
7. Microsoft Window media player
The media player is very important and we all need it on a system. Since the Window media player is inbuilt and can not be installed on Linux, VLC would take charge.
VLC is a great alternative including
- Mplayer
- Parole Media Player
- Xine
- Kplayer.
8. Window Movie Maker
If you are a movie editor and you are finding it difficult to get an alternative for Window Movie Maker, this is for you. The best alternative for Movie Maker includes
- Cinelerra
- Kdenlive
- LiVes
- VideoLan Movie creator
- Openshot
- Open Movie Editor.
9. Adobe Reader
Adobe Reader is a Windows software used for viewing Pdf files on a computer. Without Adobe Reader on a system, you can not open pdf portable files. It is not an inbuilt software. A user needs to purchase the software separately to use.
There are several alternatives in Linux you can use and these include
- Xpdf
- Foxit
- Evince
- Okular.
10. Windows Photo Viewer
Windows Photo Viewer is also an inbuilt application on Windows. It allows you to view pictures on your computer. The alternative to this software includes
- F-spot
- Shotwell
- gThumb.
The mentioned software can be downloaded in one search mostly from their website. As you migrate to Linux from Windows, you would not be faced with any problem concerning the choice of application to replace Windows software although the above alternatives are not the only ones available.
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