Run Linux Apps In Windows

One of the reasons why Linux is gaining popularity over the recent years is because of its huge library of applications. Other than the cost advantage (most Linux apps are free), Linux apps can also perform the same (some even better) functions as its Windows counterpart.

Windows users who wanted to test out Linux apps have the choice of dual booting Linux and Windows or install Linux via VMware. With andLinux, Windows users can now install Linux apps alongside Windows and run them like Windows apps.

What andLinux does is to integrate a whole Linux system (in this case, Ubuntu without the desktop) into the Windows NT system. Not only does it share files seamlessly with the Windows host (with the aid of Samba or coLinux), it also allows you to use the apt-get command (or Synaptic) to add any Linux apps into your Windows system.

Requirement:

andLinux needs the following requirement for your Windows:

1. Windows 2000, XP, 2003 or Vista. Only 32-bit versions are supported.
2. At least 128 MB of memory. If you have only 128MB of memory in your computer, I would advise you not to install andLinux.
3. Hard disk space: 2.5 GB (XFCE version) / 4.5 GB (KDE version)
4. Some basic Linux skills (you can pick up easily along the way)

Installation guide:

1) Download andLinux from http://www.andlinux.org/downloads.php. There are two versions available: KDE and XFCE. If you are intending to use Linux apps intensively, then I would advise the KDE version. File size is 665MB. You can download via http or torrent

2) The installation is pretty straightforward. Double click on the andLinux.exe to activate the installer. It will then guide you through the installation.

3) Memory allocation

Select 128MB only if you have 256MB RAM in your computer. It is recommended to allocate at least 192MB of memory for andLinux. 256MB is a good choice. You can allocate more if you have enough memory to spare.

4) Enable sound

You can choose to enable/disable sound options in your Linuxapps.

5) Startup type

You can choose to start andLinux when your Windows boots up or start manually. For simplicity sake, I choose ‘run andLinux automatically‘.

6) Windows File access

Choosing COFS will make installation easier, but if you want your Linux apps to recognize filename with special characters, you will need to choose Samba (requires more configuration).

7) Configure Samba

This step is only required if you choose Samba in the previous window. To configure samba, first create a folder anywhere in your Windows. Right click and select “Sharing and Security“. Enable the folder sharing function.

Back to the installer window, enter the name of the share folder you have just created, your username and password.

8) Configure COFS

If you select COFS, this is where you can configure the share path. Enter the path that is to be shared in the field above.

9) For the next few options, just click “Next”
When you are done with the installation, restart the computer.

If you have set the andLinux to start automatically, you can now see the andLinux icon on the system tray. Else, you can start andLinux via Start->Program->andLinux->Start andLinux.

To activate any apps, just click on the icon and select the app you want.
To install new Linux apps, select Synaptic from the andLinux menu.

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