PlayOnLinux (POL) is a python-based frontend (with bash install scripts) to install windows programs in Wine. Originally, the program's purpose was to let new linux users install their favorite windows games with ease. Since then, the program has evolved to include office-based windows programs (such as MSOffice 2003), and DOS based programs (using DosBox).


Each supported program is shown in a menu, and are either scripted (using bash) by the official developers, or contributed by community members.

There are interesting options in PlayOnLinux, and these include the following:

1. POL allows each installed program to be installed within it's own wineprefix and directory (similar to bottles in CrossOver).
2. It does simulated reboots for certain programs.
3. It has an option of installing Directx for a certain installed game.
4. It can run graphics tests/benchmarks for your video card (using Glxgears, Glxmux, etc.).
5. POL allows you to update install scripts from a central repository - this allows the supported games/programs to grow without you ever having to reinstall the program.
6. You can assign specific wine versions to run your installed windows program from. If that Wine version is not available on your system, you can choose what version you want and POL downloads and installs the specifc wine version for you.
7. You can also assign the git version of Wine for the installed program. POL has a menu to automatically download the newest sources of Wine from the git repositories and compile them for you automatically.
8. POL can automatically put the installed windows programs shortcuts into the Desktop and/or KDE or Gnome PlayOnLinux menu.

Choosing MSOffice 2003

1. Wine
2. Bash
3. Python > 2.4
4. Wxwindows bindings for Python > 2.6
5. Lynx
6. xterm
7. unzip