[Klox]

I'm considering to go for Linux as an OS. Most software is Windows based, some computor guru suggested that i make use of an emulater/emulator as an interface between Linux and the software i have.

What's an emulater/emulator?
How does it work?
Is it viable or not?

Thanx

Klox

[jimbo]

there are several ways to run windows software on linux.

there is dosemu and wine that I know of. I am not sure how viable they are unless you try it. wine has a applications database that lists the capatability of known applications. These take the place the windows OS with an interface layer that allows the application to run in a linux environment.

http://www.dosemu.org/
http://www.winehq.com/

another option is to use a virtual os software such as vmware. this allows you to install and run the windows OS and software in a virtual environment within linux. this is a commercial program.
http://www.vmware.com

a third option is dual booting both operating system. But the limitation is you cant switch between the OSes without rebooting.

[kong]

I have had a lot of success with wine, you will need a fair bit of knowledge of Linux, or at least to be prepared to spend some time (say an entire evening) setting it up.
If you do go for the dual boot method, you can access your windows files through linux, and can then go on to run them in wine on your linux box. If you have a spare PC knocking around, set it up and give it a go. The beauty of linux is that if you don't get on with it, then it has cost you nothing to try