2002 seems to be the year of using Microsoft products under Linux. I don't personally see anything wrong with that: such ability helps us transition people who are nervous about big change. To me, the most important issue for a package that means to help such an end user is that it has to be easy to use, and easy to install.

Once you get Win4Lin 4.0 Workstation Edition installed and set up, it works great. It's fast, it's stable (just be careful with antivirus programs), and at least for Windows 98 it works just like it should. The problem is, ultimately, an awkward installation process that isn't made up for by solid documentation. If you're used to Linux and don't mind having to dig about for the information you need, then you'll have little trouble installing this product.

However, don't hand Win4Lin 4.0 Workstation Edition to a Linux newbie quite yet. At least not without being there to help them out.

Win4Lin 4.0 Workstation Edition has a number of hardware and software requirements. On the hardware side, you'll need a PC that's a Pentium or faster"need" is a strong word, you can use a slower machine but it's not recommended. In addition, on the hardware side, you'll need a minimum of:

• 64MB RAM
• Bootable CD-ROM drive or CD-ROM and floppy
• Anywhere from 60MB to 355MB of hard drive space for a single user installation, and add another 40MB to 200MB for each additional user.

The software and operating system requirements are as follows:

• A Linux distribution utilizing the kernel 2.4.x series. Distributions tested with Win4Lin include Caldera, Mandrake, Red Hat, SuSE, and a generic Linux kernel that you can obtain from the NeTraverse site (www.netraverse.com). Be sure to compare your distribution to what's supported.
• A legitimate copy of Windows 95, 98, or ME to install. Windows 2000 and XP are not as yet supported, and neither are upgrades. If you want to use a non-English version of Windows then consult the NeTraverse Web site before deciding to purchase this product to ensure that it's supported.
• The ability to run the X-based GUI with 16-bit color.
• Root access

Next: Getting Win4Lin 4.0 Workstation Edition »