Linux

All the programs I use just run on linux, no really. VSCode runs on linux, I've used libre office for longer than I've used Linux (and it obviously runs on linux), all my faves run on linux through steam or lutris.

However, if there is a windows only program you wanna run on linux, you have a few options.

I'd just cross running it though wine out, it's really annoying to setup and my original success rate with it had been... Not great.

If your program isn't terribly graphically demanding, you might be able to run it via a windows virtual machine. It's not perfect but for lighter programs or visual studio, it works.

If your program is graphically demanding (e.g. Adobe suite, CorelDraw, Autocad, etc...) you're kinda out of luck and will have to dual boot... (Or loose your sanity trying to get them working through wine)

I personally only use Linux now for all my computers. I follow a philosophy for any software solutiom I need that goes like this:

1. Use a FOSS solution or,
2. Use a proprietary solution that has a native Linux build/browser version or,
3. Use a cracked/pirated version in Wine/Windows VM.

Personally, I am absolutely committed to no more Windows for my personal computing, I have been for years. That means that if I cannot do one of those three options in that order, I don't use that software/solution.

Unless you are doing a lot of specialized software work, those three options should have you covered. I'm curious what software you use that doesn't work with any of those 3 categories.

Advanced CAD/CAM stuff there isn't much in FOSS. Same with specialized Audio production work and advanced photo-manipulation. Specialized device support can be spotty too, but that varies wildly. Those are the only software categories off the top of my head that I know don't really have good FOSS solutions.

to answer to question in the title, on top of what was already said: i just code them myself. of course, it doesn't work for everything, but for simple programs, i can write a script or a proper thing that does the specific task i need!

I shit my pants

Ill do my usual name drop of zorin os linux distro. its maine thing is windows compatibility and comes with play on linux and wine preinstalled and setup. Also comes with many linux applications installed out of box. I think its the best shot for an easy move over but if it does not work that does not mean it can't be done but its gonna be a bit of work more than likely.

What programs do concern you?

All my games work with Steam/Proton (thanks Value!) and I mainly use my desktop as a gaming PC. I do some bussiness stuff but LibreOffice will work. Or I also use Google Docs to do things--can be saved as Microsoft Office file types or PDF.

But you are right, if you need a Windows only program, then Windows is the only option. I had to update the firmware on my Xbox controller that I use with Steam to play my games. I had to wipe one of my laptops and put a copy of Windows on there to get this done. Another time there was a free Baldurs Gate game from Amazon games I could get, BUT you needed the Amazon Game app to get it. And it only ran on Windows. I put Windows on a laptop, download the free game, then moved it to my Linux Gaming PC. After adding it to Steam as a non Steam game, I was exploring dugeons with elves and dwarves.

It's still a Windows world, but IF enough gamers switch to Linux that could change. And Microsoft is only going to get worse with ads.

I don’t use Linux

Unfortunately alternatives for everything don’t exist. Adobe products, CAD and certain games just will not run under wine. I tried dual booting, but it became too much of a hassle to have to reboot my computer 4-5 times a day

You mostly don't because Linux desktop is kind of a "collective delusion". You either assume you'll be using alternatives that aren't compatible with your current applications and potentially deal with collaboration issues with users of such apps or stick with Windows.

If one lives in a bubble and doesn’t to collaborate with others then native Linux apps might work and might even deliver a decent workflow. Once collaboration with Windows/Mac users is required then it’s game over – the “alternatives” aren’t just up to it.

https://tadeubento.com/2023/linux-desktop-a-collective-delusion/

When it comes to distros I suggest you keep to Debian and use Flatpak to install software - this will give you a rock solid OS with all the latest version of the applications you might want to use. Flatpak apps can be installed from the GNOME Software "store" GUI which makes things really convenient.

Speaking about office, LibreOffice is great, however it isn't as good as people like to sell it. Take for instance this simple documented I created in MS Word, side-by-side, it can't even properly display a simple document with some headings and a few bullet points:

Things like that print screen and what is written on the article are the hard facts that people like to avoid and downvote, but it is what it is. Linux is great, but not in most desktop use case scenarios.

wipe the linux partitions and get back to a life of convenience and productivity. until another 6 months have passed and I think "maybe this time..."