Guide to Running SwordSearcher on Linux Operating Systems (Updated June 2024)

[parkernathan]

Thanks! I may try Apple Silicon first since it's more difficult. Give me a good challenge.

 

[parkernathan]

My Macs can't run MacPorts at the moment since they're on the Sequoia beta, but they are running Homebrew. Am I going to need to wait and try this after MacPorts is available for Sequoia?

 

[DerickBriggs]

Honestly, most people do not think about their technology at all, as long as it works. We're all carrying around tracking devices with cameras and microphones because it's convenient and 99% of us do not give any thought to it. If there is going to be any significant move away from Windows as the dominant desktop computing platform it is going to be driven by pricing and convenience, not because people are rationally scrutinizing features packed into the operating system.

A Linux version of SwordSearcher would be nice but I know from my own customer feedback that Linux is barely on anyone's radar, for a desktop OS.

I think it means something when the two biggest threads on the forum are both about linux versions, that's hard to dismiss.

I am a linux user that doesn't "tinker under the hood" at all. This is because distros like Mint work just fine! Even if people aren't actively considering it, issues of security and privacy enter our public discourse more and more.

I use SS on my windows laptop that runs nothing other than SS. For the Word, it is worth it, and SS is excellent software.

Rather than simply complain, I would like to say that I would happily pay extra and/or fund a linux version if you so decide to take on the project.

 

[ShawnH]

I have installed SwordSearcher 9.0 on Linux Mint and it works great. My question is this: I want to upgrade to 9.1 but I want to know if there have been any issues with upgrading? Thank you. This software has been a time saver for me.

 

[Brandon Staggs]

I have installed SwordSearcher 9.0 on Linux Mint and it works great. My question is this: I want to upgrade to 9.1 but I want to know if there have been any issues with upgrading? Thank you. This software has been a time saver for me.

Not that I know of. Worst-case, you just create a new WINE instance for 9.1.

 

[ShawnH]

Thank you again for all of your help. I did encounter an issue. I needed to delete ALL in prefixes inside of winetricks because it would only recognize SwordSearcher 9.0 and wouldn't open 9.1 but so after I did that and reran through your steps: it works great!

 

[ShawnH]

I am trying to the newest version of SwordSearcher on my laptop which has the newest version of Linux Mint (Cinnamon 22, Wilma). I went through the same steps as before when I installed SS on my desktop but now I am receiving an error message every time I am trying to launch it. The only thing I did different is my laptop has the newest version of Linux Mint and my desktop has the previous version of Linux Mint 21. Do the instructions only work on the previous version Mint which is the previous version of Ubuntu? I have tried a handful of times and would love to be able to take SS on the road with me, is there anyone who knows maybe I did wrong?

 

[Brandon Staggs]

Do the instructions only work on the previous version Mint which is the previous version of Ubuntu?

I have no idea, I have only tested this on Ubuntu.

The error seems to indicate a problem with the shortcut itself, like perhaps it is not properly configured.

 

[chiddekel]

Hey. I can try SS on Boxes (Q-emu Virtual Machine-based) need only the list of Linux distros to test. Popular options are (RPM packages) Fedora, Red Hat, (DEB packages) - Ubuntu, Debian, Mint, and Zorion OS. Instruction to set wine already done The test can start on 2026-01-01 after buying the new version of SS.

 

[RevTim]

Hey. I can try SS on Boxes (Q-emu Virtual Machine-based) need only the list of Linux distros to test. Popular options are (RPM packages) Fedora, Red Hat, (DEB packages) - Ubuntu, Debian, Mint, and Zorion OS. Instruction to set wine already done The test can start on 2026-01-01 after buying the new version of SS.

Better be new wine, buddy!

 

[parkernathan]

FYI...I didn't get a chance to test on Mac. The Mac I was going to test on was decommissioned during some recent job changes (I was laid off my full-time job, and my part-time job also ended, so I'm officially on the job hunt). However, I am running SwordSearcher on a Windows on ARM VM under VMware Fusion on my M2 MacBook Air. It's running perfectly.

 

[Ruthlyn]

FYI...I didn't get a chance to test on Mac. The Mac I was going to test on was decommissioned during some recent job changes (I was laid off my full-time job, and my part-time job also ended, so I'm officially on the job hunt). However, I am running SwordSearcher on a Windows on ARM VM under VMware Fusion on my M2 MacBook Air. It's running perfectly.

Ouch, concerning your job situation... praying you get a job soon