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bonnielynn73
bonnielynn73 asked in Computers & InternetComputer Networking · 1 decade ago

I need help with my computer that is running ubuntu/ Linux, can't seem to download my yahoo instant messenger?

I was given a computer, it has ubuntu running system on it, Linux, but can't seem to download my yahoo instant messenger, when I try to download it, it will download okay, but when I try to send a message It says there is a deficiency in wine. Does anyone know how to get past this or what should I do so I can download ym. It also says that when I tried to download the AVG free anti-virus software. Not sure what else I can't download since I just got the computer today! Thanks for your help!

Update:

Okay, I am trying t download pidgen, but it won't do that either, I must be doing something wrong, don't know anything about this system, can someone walk me through this process? Thanks

4 Answers

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  • Peter
    Lv 6
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    First of all, you don't need anti-virus software on a Linux-based computer. Windows-based viruses don't work on it, and Linux-based viruses are virtually non-existent. Just keep everything updated (it will prompt you when there are updates available).

    Also, running Windows software on Linux is a difficult thing to do. It sounds like WINE (a system designed to try and run Windows software on Linux) isn't working right. That's why you're getting an error. But on a general basis, you should stay away from Windows software on your Linux machine. It will be more trouble then it's worth.

    If you want to chat with people via Yahoo! Messenger, use the Pidgin program that comes pre-installed. It will let you connect to your Yahoo! account and chat with other people on Yahoo! (just like the "real" Yahoo! Messenger). You can also use the same program to talk to people using AIM/ICQ, Gadu-Gadu, GroupWise, IRC, Jabber, MSN, Napster, and Bonjour. All using the same program! Pretty cool, huh?

    PS - Hey, other Peter... Did you know that "WINE" stands for "WINE Is Not an Emulator"? ;-)

    Source(s): https://help.ubuntu.com/9.04/internet/C/internet-i...
  • Peter
    1 decade ago

    Linux isn't Windows. Most of the programs you've been downloading are designed for Windows. WINE is an emulator, effectively it pretends to be Windows, allowing some programs to run and install.

    For the most part there are free linux-based programs out there (or in the repositories) that replace windows equivalents.

    For example, Pidgin is an excellent messenger/IM software that can connected to MSN/Yahoo/Google/Facebook/AOL and many more.

    I believe Avast Antivirus has a Linux version, but it's not as necessary as under Windows.

    Source(s): own knowledge
  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    windows programs will not run on a linux system unless you install wine and run them through that.

    for your yahoo messenger you can use a program like pidgin where you can still sign in with your yahoo id

  • ?
    1 decade ago

    You can try using a different Instant Messenger client such as Pidgin. It will allow you to connect to Yahoo, Aim, MSN, Google Talk, and many other IM servers.

    Source(s): http://www.pidgin.im/
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