Chapter 2. Quick Start Guide

If you are familiar with other versions of CrossOver or you are comfortable making mistakes, this chapter should get you started running Windows software in a few minutes. For greater detail about the concepts and features in CrossOver Linux consult the later chapters in this guide.

Installing CrossOver.  Your installation method will vary widely from one Linux distribution to another. This quickstart guide assumes you have successfully installed CrossOver. The section of this manual devoted to installing has more detailed instructions on the various installation methods. Whatever method you use to install, CrossOver should launch automatically when the installation is complete.

Running CrossOver for the First Time.  The first time you launch CrossOver, you should see the window below (if you are upgrading and already have Windows applications installed, you should see a list of them on the right-hand side of the window below):

To install new Windows software, click the 'Install Windows Software' button. The CrossOver Software Installer (pictured below) will appear. You can search for and select application you wish to install. CrossOver will guide you through the process.

Running Windows Applications with CrossOver.  After you have installed a Windows application with CrossOver, you are ready run your Windows applications. CrossOver's main menu should display a list of the Windows applications you have installed, as pictured below:

The buttons in the list on the right-hand side of CrossOver's main window allow you to launch the Windows applications you have installed. Just click on the relevant button to launch your application.

CrossOver also integrates your Windows applications with your Unix desktop, so you can launch them just like you would any other program on your computer. For example, if you have installed Microsoft Excel and are using GNOME 3, you should be able to simply search for 'excel' in GNOME's search bar and find a working shortcut.

Of course, the screenshot pictured above is specific to GNOME 3. The exact nature of CrossOver's integration with your desktop environment depends on what desktop environment you use. If you cannot make use of CrossOver's desktop integration in your particular environment, CrossOver's main menu is always available to you.