Wine Improves 3D and MAPI Support
This past weekend the Wine project released a new version of its Windows emulator. Apart from the numerous obligatory bug fixes, the release includes improvements to the Direct3D 10 API and an initial support for the Open Audio Library (OpenAL).
With help from Wine software, most Windows applications can also run under Linux. Unlike virtualization solutions such as VirtualBox, Wine translates the system and library calls to their Linux counterparts. This allows Windows applications not only to run in a Linux environment, but to do so somewhat faster.
Alexandre Julliard has now released version 1.1.30 of Wine. The major new features include:
- Support for OpenAL libraries for surround sound
- Enhanced Direct3D 10 API, which runs games as a counterpart to Microsoft's OpenGL
- Improved HTML, JavaScript and MAPI support
- Improved common controls
Many minor bugs were also fixed, especially those related to games. The .NET Framework 1.1 now installs flawlessly, the Bioshock game no longer crashes when loading the second level and the Steam client displays correct colors. Erratic behavior in the Myst 4, Prince of Persia and Flatout 2 games was also fixed, as well as a font problem in some games. Irregularities in Corel Painter X, Visual C++ and GNU Emacs were also eliminated. Finally, path problems in the Save dialog were fixed and Internet Explorer 7 startups no longer return
Cannot find '%ws'
errors.
The release notes include the full list of bug fixes and enhancements. A database of all compatible Windows programs and installation hints are on the project homepage.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Linux Kernel 6.13 Offers Improvements for AMD/Apple Users
The latest Linux kernel is now available, and it includes plenty of improvements, especially for those who use AMD or Apple-based systems.
-
Gnome 48 Debuts New Audio Player
To date, the audio player found within the Gnome desktop has been meh at best, but with the upcoming release that all changes.
-
Plasma 6.3 Ready for Public Beta Testing
Plasma 6.3 will ship with KDE Gear 24.12.1 and KDE Frameworks 6.10, along with some new and exciting features.
-
Budgie 10.10 Scheduled for Q1 2025 with a Surprising Desktop Update
If Budgie is your desktop environment of choice, 2025 is going to be a great year for you.
-
Firefox 134 Offers Improvements for Linux Version
Fans of Linux and Firefox rejoice, as there's a new version available that includes some handy updates.
-
Serpent OS Arrives with a New Alpha Release
After months of silence, Ikey Doherty has released a new alpha for his Serpent OS.
-
HashiCorp Cofounder Unveils Ghostty, a Linux Terminal App
Ghostty is a new Linux terminal app that's fast, feature-rich, and offers a platform-native GUI while remaining cross-platform.
-
Fedora Asahi Remix 41 Available for Apple Silicon
If you have an Apple Silicon Mac and you're hoping to install Fedora, you're in luck because the latest release supports the M1 and M2 chips.
-
Systemd Fixes Bug While Facing New Challenger in GNU Shepherd
The systemd developers have fixed a really nasty bug amid the release of the new GNU Shepherd init system.
-
AlmaLinux 10.0 Beta Released
The AlmaLinux OS Foundation has announced the availability of AlmaLinux 10.0 Beta ("Purple Lion") for all supported devices with significant changes.