Why Can't I Open Some Apps on Linux?
Asked by
NovaStar47
I've been using Ubuntu for about three months now, and I keep running into an issue where many apps I install, like games, just won't open. Sometimes they even show the file's code instead of launching, which is really confusing since I'm new to Linux. I realize it's not as straightforward as just clicking on an .exe file like it is on Windows. What should I be doing to get these apps to run?
Answers
It really depends on the specific apps you're trying to run. Can you give more details about how you're installing and launching them?
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It's usually better to use the software store to install apps instead of downloading executables directly. For Ubuntu users, the Snap Store is typically the way to go. Also, remember that .exe files are Windows formats, so you won't be able to run those on Linux directly. For gaming, stick with platforms like Steam or use tools like Heroic Launcher or Lutris for compatibility.
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If you just want to execute a file, ensure the executable bit is set. If not, tools and scripts may just display as plain text. Unlike Windows .exe files, Linux apps can sometimes be scripts that open with any text editor.
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A common issue could be that the files you're trying to open aren't set as executable. You can check this by running `chmod +x filename` in the terminal, which will make them executable if that's the problem.
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