Windows Applications under Linux

[bobheaps]

I am a recently retired mechanical engineer who used AutoCAD almost exclusively at work. Recently I started using UBUNTO because of my dislike of Windows both technically and morally. I still require a CAD program for use at home and AutoCAD is far to costly and complicated.
I have tried a number of CAD programs, both native to Linux and windows and have found the best by far to be A9 CAD (www.a9tech.com) but it only runs under windows. I get frustrated having to reboot just to use this program. I searched the web and found one suggestion using Wine. I followed the instructions as best I could but was unsucessful.
Does anyone have any suggestions for running this program under Linux.
If so could you help me bearing in mind I am new to LINUX and know hardly anything.
Thanks in advance,
Bob Heaps

[falko]

If WINE doesn't work, you could try to convert your Windows system into a virtual machine and run it under Ubuntu: http://www.howtoforge.com/vmware_converter_windows_linux
http://www.howtoforge.com/import_vmware_images
http://www.howtoforge.com/the_perfect_desktop_ubuntu7.04_p5
http://www.venturecake.com/a-simple-guide-to-using-your-existing-windows-install-apps-in-ubuntu/

[bobheaps]

If WINE doesn't work, you could try to convert your Windows system into a virtual machine and run it under Ubuntu: http://www.howtoforge.com/vmware_converter_windows_linux
http://www.howtoforge.com/import_vmware_images
http://www.howtoforge.com/the_perfect_desktop_ubuntu7.04_p5
http://www.venturecake.com/a-simple-guide-to-using-your-existing-windows-install-apps-in-ubuntu/
Hello falco,
I persevered with Wine. I removed the program (A9CAD) from windows and re-installed it using Wine. I tried Konquerer to run it but was only partially sucessful. I retried Konquerer as root and everything was fine. Its so nice to know help is available to such naieve people as me
Thanks.
Bob Heaps

[edge]

An other option (maybe) would have been CrossOver Linux (http://www.codeweavers.com/products/cxoffice/)