Many Linux users occasionally need to run Windows applications. While native Linux apps are often preferred, sometimes a specific Windows program has features unavailable elsewhere. This article explores one user's attempt to install Freemake Video Converter on Deepin Linux using Wine, a compatibility layer for running Windows applications. We'll also discuss potential alternatives for video conversion and DVD authoring on Linux.
A user named Olympic attempted to install Freemake Video Converter on Deepin 15.11 using Wine. They had already successfully installed and run other Windows applications, such as a 2005 Gamehouse game and Picasa, using Wine. Knowing that Freemake requires the .NET 4.0 framework, they first attempted to install the necessary .NET files via Wine.
Despite appearing to successfully install the .NET framework, the subsequent Freemake installation resulted in an error message after completion. The program failed to launch, and the terminal output suggested potential issues with the installation process.
The user's primary reason for wanting Freemake was its ability to create DVDs with menus from a series of videos. While HandBrake is a popular and powerful video converter, it lacks built-in DVD authoring capabilities with menu creation. This highlights a specific need for users who want to create physical media with a professional touch.
When facing challenges with Wine and Windows applications, it's always worth considering native Linux alternatives. For video conversion, HandBrake is an excellent choice, offering a wide range of formats and encoding options. However, as the user pointed out, it doesn't directly address the need for DVD authoring with menus.
If Freemake proves difficult to install or maintain via Wine, several Linux alternatives can achieve similar results:
By considering these alternatives, Linux users can often find native solutions that provide a better experience and avoid the complexities of running Windows software. While Wine can be a useful tool, exploring the rich ecosystem of Linux applications is often the most rewarding approach. Remember to always keep your system updated and consult the documentation for your chosen distribution and applications. You can also check out this tutorial on how to install Wine on Ubuntu if you're having trouble getting started.
