14 DAY TRIAL // CrossOver Linux, an application based on Wine that allows users to install popular Windows applications and PC games on a Linux computer, has been updated to version 14.0 and brings support for a lot of new software.
CrossOver is using Wine as a base, but many developers are working on both projects. Wine is a more hands-on approach to using Windows apps and games and requires a little more effort from users, but it also provides all the latest improvements. CrossOver, on the other hand, is a commercial solution, but it comes with a much more user-friendly interface and it's optimized to run certain applications and games from the Windows platform.
Usually, the developers of CrossOver release small updates that bring support for various apps, but the current version is actually a big step forward. Users will find that many new games are now officially supported and that there have been quite a few changes made since the last 13.x branch.
What is new in CrossOver Linux 14.0
"That's all it takes to find out whether your Windows software will run under CrossOver. In ten minutes you can install our demo version, and then install the software you want. Or just see what our Compatibility Center has to say about it. If your program runs under CrossOver, you're good to go with the easiest, least expensive, and friendliest Windows compatibility software out there. Even if it doesn't, you've only spent a few minutes to potentially save yourself several hundred bucks and all the hassles that come with Windows."
"So, before you go plunking down your hard-earned money for a virtual machine AND a copy of Windows AND some antivirus software, give us a try!" say the devs on the official website.
From the large number of games that are now officially supported and guaranteed to work, it's easy to see why it might be worth it. Some of the titles are Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft, WarCraft III on Linux, Terraria, and Path of Exile, just to name a few.
Another major improvement in CrossOver Linux 14.0 is the fact that the missing packages needed to either run the application itself or other Windows apps are now downloaded automatically and users no longer have to do this laborious work manually.
It's also worth noting that there are also quite a few bugfixes for Quicken 2014, various KDE desktop implementations, and even one for the upcoming Ubuntu 14.10.
CrossOver Linux can run many Windows software solutions and games, but if you want to be sure about a specific one, you can check the What Runs section on the official website. Refer to the official changelog for more details about this release. You can download CrossOver Linux 14.0 trial right now from the Softpedia. Keep in mind that it only lasts for 14 days, after which you're going to have to purchase it.