In Linux there is a lot of software so that we don't have to think about other operating systems. But let's be honest: sometimes we need something from Windows and we have to do something to run one of its applications. It can be on an external drive with a “To Go” version, in a virtual machine or with tools like WINE. Although most options are based on the "non-emulator", there is a choice, such as Bottles or a long time ago PlayOnLinux.
As if the available options were not enough, Valve, the company that owns Steam, offers Proton. What is it? Is it better than WINE? When is it worth using one or the other? In this article we are going to explain everything necessary to know all the answers. Although before a spoiler: Proton is also a descendant of WINE, so at the end of the day we will always be using the same thing with some differences.
What is WINE
WINE, whose acronym comes from WINE Is Nfrom an Eemulator, it is a compatibility layer capable of running Windows applications on various POSIX operating systems, such as Linux-based ones. macOS and BSD, among others, are also on that list. Unlike an emulator that tries to imitate Windows logic, WINE translates Windows API calls into POSIX calls while they are made, eliminating the performance and memory slowdowns of emulation and allowing Windows applications to be integrated into our desktop. perfectly.
WINE It began its development in 1993, and it has improved a lot in the 31 years it has been available. Its installation is simple in any Linux distribution: in the terminal you must write the appropriate installation command next to the "wine" package, which in Debian-based distros would look like sudo apt install wine, in Fedora-based ones sudo dnf install wine and in the Arch base sudo pacman -S wine.
Optional, but advisable, after installation it is worth launching winecfg for configure some software settings. This was more important a few months ago, when the default compatibility used was Windows 7; now it's Windows 10
To launch a program with “bare” WINE, that is, without any graphical tool such as the aforementioned Bottles or PlayOnLinux, all we have to do is write the command wine nombre_del_ejecutable.exe.
What is Proton
Proton is basically a fork by WINE. This customized and maintained by Valve in collaboration with CodeWeavers, who also develops CrossOver. Proton integrates with the Steam client as part of Steam Play, and is initially designed so that we can play titles that are only available for Windows on Linux. Proton is the best tool for playing on Linux… although not only that.
Installing Proton is not as intuitive as WINE. To install it, we will have to:
- We install Steam in the operating system. It can be done with the package manager or app store and there are even flatpak and snap options.
- We open Steam, we identify ourselves if it asks us to and we activate Steam Play from the Steam/Steam Play settings. This will install Proton and we can now use it.
To use a program with Proton, things are a little more complicated. What you have to do is, in the Steam client, add a non-Steam program and activate compatibility with Proton. Then, to launch it, in theory it can be done from the shortcut that will be in the start menu. If not, it can be launched from the Steam client.
When to use WINE and when to use Proton
In general, it's worth using WINE for general applications and non-Steam software. Although here I would recommend using Bottles. It is a program with a graphical interface that allows us to install and configure Windows applications. Also, if we are concerned about cleanliness, in the sense of installing fewer packages, Bottles It is as a flatpak package.
If you prefer WINE as is, it is another option, and also valid. If a program does not work as expected from the beginning, it can be installed and lanzar Winetricks, which allows you to configure some parameters.
On the other hand, Proton will be used to launch software that is on Steam, that above all. Although I have never needed it, you can also try to open a program that you cannot get to work with WINE. Let it be a fork It means, among other things, that it is not the same as the original option, and it is an alternative that may be valid.
On the Steam Deck
We will also always use Proton if we are on the Steam Deck, or at least for all those applications that look good in game mode. If we want them on the desktop, we can add it to Steam and activate compatibility, which, I repeat, in theory should also add a shortcut to the start menu.
If it happens that you have added the application in game mode and we do not want it there, a solution is to enter the app settings from said mode and delete it. It is not guaranteed to work this other way, but if you have created a .desktop file in ~ / .local / share / applications, this might be enough to launch the application. The magic usually lies in the line that begins with Exec =. In the event that it cannot be opened, we add it again, bite the bullet and keep it in game mode.
It is worth remembering that the Steam Deck It's a PC. Therefore, if we don't want to use Proton for everything, we can install the Bottles flatpak package and do it as we would on any other computer. Alternatively, you can also try distro box.
Conclusion
WINE and Proton are two tools that allow us run windows applications on linux. The second descends from the first, and is the best option for Steam games and applications. On the other hand, WINE is the source of many other software, and is usually the best option for launching general applications.