how to run linux based program on xp

Hi,

Is there an easy way to run linux (debian) based programs on a windows xp system ? Maybe some sort of emulator? I am a linux noob so please forgive me if I say something idiotic

thank you for your time and effort.

what are you trying to run? Easiest thing would be to find a windows based alternative (or a pre-compiled windows binary)

well, I was downloading a ''fbi forensic cdrom'' so they say . most programs on that need linux . thanks for the reply

I think VMware would be the best option.

thank you, I will dive into that as soon as I have ennough time

I would love to use Freewheeling, Ardour & all the other GREAT Music apps which come with Debian - Agnula, but with MY soundcard. I have a MOTU HD192 soundcard which seems completely unsupported by MOTU for LINUX. I have trolled the net & found no Linux drivers for my card, & do not think i could run all these apps in Windows. I am a pro musician with a lot of XP experience, but would love to move to Linux, this being the main reason stopping me. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you

why not try a linux live cd and see if support for your card is built into the kernel.

here try ubuntu its about 650 megs big and acts as a live cd when you first start it and then gives you the choice to install it if you find everything works.

As I see it, you have three options:

- VMware (or an alternative application that let's you run a virtual machine)
- Boot up a Debian-based live CD (eg. Ubuntu)
- Break the CD and forget about the whole thing

In my opinion, VMware would be the best solution, but you can also try a Linux live CD, and hope for the best.
If you have any questions, come back to this thread and we'll try to help you out.

Good luck!