Libronix and Linux

[shaft350x]

I'm not exactly sure if this is the place for this, perhaps a Mod will move it.

Anyways I have seen that I am not the only Ubuntu user who would like an easier solution to using Libronix in Linux. They are currently working on making a version for MAC OS. So I figure if they can do that at the request of a lot of folks using MACs maybe we Linux users can pester them enough that they will make a Linux version as well.

Their e-mail address can be gotten from Logos.com clicking on "About Us" and then "Contact Information" they have an e-mail address for suggestions: suggest@logos.com
Perhaps if enough of us petition and pester they will think about us as well.

As of right now I have seen on the WineHQ site that someone says they have gotten Libronix working, but they had to install IE6 first. I've tried this to no avail (thought to be honest I haven't really been able to run anything through Wine) and I haven't seen anyone on the forums have a success story to share about Libronix on Linux. (They share the letters L, I, N, and X, sounds like they are made for each other!) So I'm going to send off an e-mail after this, and hopefully get some friends to join in that I know can use both (ie I'm in seminary with them and got them started with Ubuntu)

And even if you don't use this great library system from Logos, letting them know there is a Linux market out there may be helpful.

[danoyoto]

Well I just sent my request also! Hopefully others will too. I'm going to be playing around a little this weekend with my Ubuntu install and seeing about getting Libronix to work, will reportback with anything...

[shaft350x]

Thanks a bunch!

I'm going to try and get more people around here, (my fellow seminarians) who I got into Ubuntu to send a letter as well.

A major selling point for us on this one that I forgot to mention in my letter to them, is that Dell will be offering computers pre-installed with Ubuntu Linux. So Linux will likely be gaining more and more attention, and users. Which will make it a good investment for them.

I've also heard Mac described as "basically Linux with a really pretty X server" I'm not sure on how similar they actually are, but if Logos is already making a Libronix for Mac could it possibly be more easy to use that work to make one for Linux? I'm probably just dreaming.

[rcdeacon]

I for one would like to get Logos working natively in Linux. Currently my primary os is Mepis 6.5 and I use logos in xp on vmware server where it works pretty good. I will also send an email to the suggestion people at Logos.

[danoyoto]

rcdeacon, do you actually use a virtual machine and boot to a xp desktop and then run libronix or do you do some sort of shortcut? I found a how-to once on running vmware server for a specific app so that you didn't actually have to go to the desktop....at any rate, how do you find the performance through vmware?

[rcdeacon]

I actually run Libronix in xp while running xp utilizing vmware-server on Mepis 6.5. I am able to copy paste and do all things pretty much as native speed.

[shaft350x]

Cool thanks for your replies and support. I hope we can keep it up so they will consider it.

[jazzuban]

It sort of works with CrossOffice 6.1.0, I installed with wine, then copied the windows installation to ~/.cxoffice/windows/drive_c/Program Files/Libronix DLS
Presented me with a nice grey window. By accident I found out that it actually works, when I pressed some keyboard shortcuts.

I can read resources by using CTRL+L to access the library. But without toolbars, right-click and other things that don't work, it's not very useful.

[shaft350x]

thanks for the update, at least there is some potential there then.

[theonemule]

I am working on getting Logos installed under WINE. I've gotten e-sword to work, but I would much rather have Logos.

[shaft350x]

Well perhaps it may be time for another round of e-mails/letters to Logos. With Lenovo Thinkpads contemplating selling laptops with a linux distro pre-installed (at least that is what I optimistically got out of this blog: http://lenovoblogs.com/insidethebox/?p=98 and more of the same can be found by searching "lenovo linux".

I also read that HP will be releasing desktops with Red Hat pre-installed.

And to top it off there is a Swedish company selling a linux laptop for $150 USD, it's called the Medison Celebrity.

It seems to me Linux is gaining mainstream momentum, open-source is as well (or already has momentum). Might be nice for churches and Logos to be on board.

Remember their e-mail address can be gotten from Logos.com clicking on "About Us" and then "Contact Information" they have an e-mail address for suggestions: suggest@logos.com

[mavsman78]

I am working on getting Logos installed under WINE. I've gotten e-sword to work, but I would much rather have Logos.

Did you have any success at getting it to run? I've just started messing with WINE, so if you have any tips I'd appreciate it.

What I can say is that I've had success at getting Libronix running using VMWare Server. I installed XP as a VM and then installed Libronix using the the instructions found here: http://www.logos.com/support/downloads/ldls/newuser

What I really like about my setup (dual-boot Vista/Feisty) is that I have all of me resources/books on my shared FATS32 partition which allows me to access the files from either vista or XP in VMWare. It was a lot easier to add the partition to the VM than I thought it would be. I just had to add a new device in from the VMWare Server screen.

[silvagroup]

Great to see others intrested in getting Logos in Linux.But unfortunately Libronix is not one of those.
I have been emailing them for years to do just that. I continue to do that even after getting there email to stop bugging them about it. The email from them stated "we do not or will be supporting a Linux version now or in the future."
Now from their point of view why should they. The majority of systems on Pastors desks are windows based to a tune of over 90%. So why waste time ad money coming up with a Linux version which would give them a return of 1% of the market share. Macs give them a much higher return of 5- 7%. unfortunately it's all about the dollar folks not about getting the word out.
There were a few Libronix blogs for awhile that had some discussion about Linux, but they have recently disappeared.
As has been mentioned on this post you can run Logos in vmware (server is free and creates virtual machines). There are also Virtual Box, KVM, kqemu, my personal favorite for running XP due to it's features such as clip and paste between Xp and your Linux apps and visa versa, easy printer support, speed... is win4lin pro. There are many more VM's.
And since that exist many still buy the resources from Libronixs and just continue to use VM''s.
Personally I have stopped buying resources and have said in several email's that until a version of Linux comes out I will no longer support the product by buying more items.
Unfortunately I think that is the only way they will get the message.
E-sword works great in Wine, and there are several native Linux packages that are very good. E-sword now has several licensed items available and they are very reasonably priced, compared to the Libronix products. And of course there is the web with a vast amount of information.
So keep emailing and finding the new blogs, but good luck getting anything in about a Linux version, seems that for some reason that discussion never gets on the blogs anymre (at least the ones I have found) and possibly stop supporting the product until they get the message, and maybe one day in the distant future we may have a Linux Logos.:lolflag:

[Xanatos Craven]

I've also heard Mac described as "basically Linux with a really pretty X server"
OS X would be more accurately described as a modified BSD system with an Apple-proprietary, completely-not-X graphics layer on top (I think they call it Quartz). But the underlying OSes are both UNIX-like, if that's what you're getting at.

[silvagroup]

Xanatos you are correct. If anyone wants to mess with the under lying BSD it's here at this site http://developer.apple.com/opensource/index.html
However Quartz is not included, that will cost you mucho.

[shaft350x]

But the underlying OSes are both UNIX-like, if that's what you're getting at.

Yeah that was all I was trying to point out. It would be nice if they focused on it being just platform independent, or cross-platform. They have it available in many different languages, and available in many different countries, but then tie it to Windows. The founders though are former Microsoft employees, that wanted to make Christian software. They've succeeded there.

Anyways, so I was perusing the WINE User Guide, and it talked about how if you can not get a program to run successfully to try and have WINE act as a different version of Windows.

I've always had mine set to act as XP. So I'm wondering what version of Windows have others tried Libronix under?

From the site ( http://www.biblesociety.org.nz/libronix/index.html ):

System Requirements
Computer/Processor:
A 486/66 MHz or faster (Pentium processor recommended)
CD-ROM drive

Operating System:
Microsoft Windows 95 or later (Will run on Windows 98/Me/NT 4.0 (SP 3)/2000/XP)

Memory: Windows 95/98: 16 MB / Windows Me/NT: 32 MB / Windows 2000/XP: 64 MB

Hard drive space: 60 MB Minimum

Minimum Screen Resolution: 800x600 or larger


Also I know that it requires IE6. Before I used IEs 4 Linux (http://frankscorner.org/index.php?p=ies4linux). Then I was able to get the installer to at least somewhat run. That was as far as I got.

[silvagroup]

Tried every one and none work well. Libronix is deeply entrenched with Windows and IE6. Like shaft350x said these guys were Windows programmers.

[shaft350x]

Is that with the 9.50 version of WINE?

[silvagroup]

No, I stopped trying at about 9.4?. That's when I realized how dependent Libronix was on the Windows infrastructure not just the api's.
Out of necessity I found a great emulator which works so close to native speed that I was able to spend all the time wasted in trying to get Libronix working in Wine to real productive work with the few Windows programs that don't have a replacement in the Linux world.
Have you had any luck with Libronix on Wine?
I know e-sword is considerably faster in Wine than it is in Windows. That would certainly be a plus for considering trying wine again for Libronix, but from all I continue to see on the web many have tried with limited results. One post I remember mentioned some success with pre 2.0 version but nothing for the newer 3.0 versions at all.

[shaft350x]

I'm pretty sure I got it to "install" but never could run it, but I never could run Oblivion either, and I got that working. So I'm hoping to try to work on Libronix here soon when I get the chance. I've got some sermonizing to do this weekend.

[silvagroup]

shaft350x if you have a version of Windows you can install it on vmware server, it is free and it works great in Ubuntu then istall Libronix.
I have a install of Libronix running in xp on vmware, it's not something I use often, just did it to see how it worked.
I typically use my Libronixs in xp under win4linpro (not free) on my Linux system.
And of course there is alwayshttp://www.biblegateway..com/ (http://www.biblegateway.com/)
.

[shaft350x]

Well I tried to install it. I first had to install IE6, which it apparently did successfully, even though I had to close the terminal. Then when I went back to install it Libronix DLS it was not able to complete, and this is my read-out from the terminal. Any of it make any sense to anyone?



err:ole:CoGetClassObject class {88d969c0-f192-11d4-a65f-0040963251e5} not registered
err:ole:CoGetClassObject class {88d969c0-f192-11d4-a65f-0040963251e5} not registered
err:ole:create_server class {88d969c0-f192-11d4-a65f-0040963251e5} not registered
fixme:ole:CoGetClassObject CLSCTX_REMOTE_SERVER not supported
err:ole:CoGetClassObject no class object {88d969c0-f192-11d4-a65f-0040963251e5} could be created for context 0x17
fixme:ole:PointerFree unhandled data type=12
err:ole:CoGetClassObject class {4ed609f3-0f21-11d4-aa36-0050041896c8} not registered
err:ole:CoGetClassObject class {4ed609f3-0f21-11d4-aa36-0050041896c8} not registered
err:ole:create_server class {4ed609f3-0f21-11d4-aa36-0050041896c8} not registered
fixme:ole:CoGetClassObject CLSCTX_REMOTE_SERVER not supported
err:ole:CoGetClassObject no class object {4ed609f3-0f21-11d4-aa36-0050041896c8} could be created for context 0x17
jarrod@jarrod-desktop:/media/cdrom0$ fixme:advapi:LookupAccountNameW (null) L"jarrod" (nil) 0x34f7fc (nil) 0x34f800 0x34f7f4 - stub
fixme:advapi:LookupAccountNameW (null) L"jarrod" 0x12ec28 0x34f7fc 0x12ec70 0x34f800 0x34f7f4 - stub
err:richedit:ReadStyleSheet ReadStyleSheet: skipping optional destination
err:richedit:ReadStyleSheet ReadStyleSheet: skipping optional destination
fixme:msi:ACTION_HandleStandardAction unhandled standard action L"SetODBCFolders"
fixme:msi:msi_unimplemented_action_stub MsiUnpublishAssemblies -> 2 ignored L"MsiAssembly" table values
fixme:msi:msi_unimplemented_action_stub SelfUnregModules -> 1 ignored L"SelfReg" table values
fixme:msi:msi_unimplemented_action_stub UnregisterTypeLibraries -> 5 ignored L"TypeLib" table values
fixme:msi:msi_unimplemented_action_stub UnregisterClassInfo -> 2 ignored L"AppId" table values
fixme:msi:msi_unimplemented_action_stub UnregisterProgIdInfo -> 64 ignored L"ProgId" table values
Failed to load DLL c:\windows\system32\msxml4.dll
fixme:msi:msi_unimplemented_action_stub MsiPublishAssemblies -> 2 ignored L"MsiAssembly" table values
err:ole:CoGetClassObject class {88d969c0-f192-11d4-a65f-0040963251e5} not registered
err:ole:CoGetClassObject class {88d969c0-f192-11d4-a65f-0040963251e5} not registered
err:ole:create_server class {88d969c0-f192-11d4-a65f-0040963251e5} not registered
fixme:ole:CoGetClassObject CLSCTX_REMOTE_SERVER not supported
err:ole:CoGetClassObject no class object {88d969c0-f192-11d4-a65f-0040963251e5} could be created for context 0x17
wine: Unhandled page fault on read access to 0x00000000 at address 0x40b3b1 (thread 0019), starting debugger...
Unhandled exception: page fault on read access to 0x00000000 in 32-bit code (0x0040b3b1).
Register dump:
CS:0023 SS:002b DS:002b ES:002b FS:0063 GS:006b
EIP:0040b3b1 ESP:0034fb98 EBP:0034fbb0 EFLAGS:00010206( - 00 - RIP1)
EAX:001257b4 EBX:00000000 ECX:00000000 EDX:00000022
ESI:0034fbd8 EDI:00000000
Stack dump:
0x0034fb98: 00000000 00000001 0043c79c 0034fbec
0x0034fba8: 00438a0b 00000000 0034fbf8 0040b43f
0x0034fbb8: 00571da0 0034fbd8 0043c678 00000001
0x0034fbc8: 00000000 00000017 0043c3f0 0034fbf0
0x0034fbd8: 00430008 0034fc10 0012579c 00401fed
0x0034fbe8: 0034fbb8 0034fc14 00438a35 00000000
Backtrace:
=>1 0x0040b3b1 in regxml (+0xb3b1) (0x0034fbb0)
2 0x0040b43f in regxml (+0xb43f) (0x0034fbf8)
3 0x00402292 in regxml (+0x2292) (0x0034fc20)
4 0x004051aa in regxml (+0x51aa) (0x0034fde0)
5 0x00428a3d in regxml (+0x28a3d) (0x0034ff08)
6 0x7b875ece in kernel32 (+0x55ece) (0x0034ffe8)
7 0xf7eb7a47 wine_switch_to_stack+0x17() in libwine.so.1 (0x00000000)
0x0040b3b1: movl 0x0(%ebx),%ecx
Modules:
Module Address Debug info Name (52 modules)
PE 400000- 455000 Export regxml
ELF 7b800000-7b92b000 Export kernel32<elf>
\-PE 7b820000-7b92b000 \ kernel32
ELF 7bc00000-7bca2000 Deferred ntdll<elf>
\-PE 7bc10000-7bca2000 \ ntdll
ELF 7bf00000-7bf03000 Deferred <wine-loader>
ELF 7d72c000-7d735000 Deferred libxcursor.so.1
ELF 7d735000-7d752000 Deferred imm32<elf>
\-PE 7d740000-7d752000 \ imm32
ELF 7d752000-7d757000 Deferred libxfixes.so.3
ELF 7d757000-7d75d000 Deferred libxrandr.so.2
ELF 7d75d000-7d765000 Deferred libxrender.so.1
ELF 7d765000-7d768000 Deferred libxinerama.so.1
ELF 7dd5b000-7dd5d000 Deferred libnvidia-tls.so.1
ELF 7dd5d000-7e6f5000 Deferred libglcore.so.1
ELF 7e6f5000-7e78b000 Deferred libgl.so.1
ELF 7e78b000-7e790000 Deferred libxdmcp.so.6
ELF 7e790000-7e793000 Deferred libxau.so.6
ELF 7e793000-7e884000 Deferred libx11.so.6
ELF 7e884000-7e892000 Deferred libxext.so.6
ELF 7e893000-7e896000 Deferred libxcomposite.so.1
ELF 7e8a4000-7e935000 Deferred winex11<elf>
\-PE 7e8b0000-7e935000 \ winex11
ELF 7e9ac000-7e9cc000 Deferred libexpat.so.1
ELF 7e9cc000-7e9f7000 Deferred libfontconfig.so.1
ELF 7e9f7000-7ea0c000 Deferred libz.so.1
ELF 7ea0c000-7ea7c000 Deferred libfreetype.so.6
ELF 7ea7c000-7eb1c000 Deferred oleaut32<elf>
\-PE 7ea90000-7eb1c000 \ oleaut32
ELF 7eb1c000-7eb2f000 Deferred libresolv.so.2
ELF 7eb2f000-7eb4d000 Deferred iphlpapi<elf>
\-PE 7eb40000-7eb4d000 \ iphlpapi
ELF 7eb4d000-7eba9000 Deferred rpcrt4<elf>
\-PE 7eb60000-7eba9000 \ rpcrt4
ELF 7eba9000-7ec4b000 Deferred ole32<elf>
\-PE 7ebc0000-7ec4b000 \ ole32
ELF 7ec4b000-7ec97000 Deferred advapi32<elf>
\-PE 7ec60000-7ec97000 \ advapi32
ELF 7ec97000-7ed2f000 Deferred gdi32<elf>
\-PE 7ecb0000-7ed2f000 \ gdi32
ELF 7ed2f000-7ee6c000 Deferred user32<elf>
\-PE 7ed50000-7ee6c000 \ user32
ELF 7ee6c000-7ee77000 Deferred libnss_files.so.2
ELF 7ee77000-7ee8f000 Deferred libnsl.so.1
ELF 7ee8f000-7ee98000 Deferred libnss_compat.so.2
ELF 7efc9000-7efee000 Deferred libm.so.6
ELF 7eff4000-7effe000 Deferred libnss_nis.so.2
ELF f7d37000-f7d3b000 Deferred libdl.so.2
ELF f7d3b000-f7e85000 Deferred libc.so.6
ELF f7e86000-f7e9e000 Deferred libpthread.so.0
ELF f7eb0000-f7fc4000 Export libwine.so.1
ELF f7fc6000-f7fe4000 Deferred ld-linux.so.2
Threads:
process tid prio (all id:s are in hex)
00000018 (D) C:\Program Files\Libronix DLS\System\RegXML.exe
00000019 0 <==
00000014
00000015 0
00000012
00000013 0
00000010
00000011 0
0000000a
0000000d 0
0000000c 0
0000000b 0
Backtrace:
=>1 0x0040b3b1 in regxml (+0xb3b1) (0x0034fbb0)
2 0x0040b43f in regxml (+0xb43f) (0x0034fbf8)
3 0x00402292 in regxml (+0x2292) (0x0034fc20)
4 0x004051aa in regxml (+0x51aa) (0x0034fde0)
5 0x00428a3d in regxml (+0x28a3d) (0x0034ff08)
6 0x7b875ece in kernel32 (+0x55ece) (0x0034ffe8)
7 0xf7eb7a47 wine_switch_to_stack+0x17() in libwine.so.1 (0x00000000)
err:msi:ITERATE_Actions Execution halted, action L"InstallFinalize" returned 1627
err:msi:ITERATE_Actions Execution halted, action L"ExecuteAction" returned 1627
fixme:ntdll:RtlNtStatusToDosErrorNoTeb no mapping for 8000000a

[shaft350x]

I installed the msxml4.dll
That seemed to reduce the amount of output, but I'm still getting the error
fixme:ole:CoGetClassObject CLSCTX_REMOTE_SERVER not supported
This is bug 8549 on Wine.

Also as of right now the failed install seems to have setup enough of Libronix that when I try to start the installer again it doesn't go. I just get a blank Wine Desktop.

[shaft350x]

I wonder if this has to do with the activation and updating part of the software, since it communicates with Logos for new updates of books and such.

Is wine normally able to communicate out? (Please pardon my ignorance.)

I just tried to run the updater and got the same error.

[shaft350x]

fixme:actctx:parse_depend_manifests Could not find dependent assembly L"Microsoft.MSXML2"

This seems to be a common error throughout as well. Got it when I tried to run the "UnSetup.exe"

[silvagroup]

shaft350x Wine is able to communicate out. For example in e-sword if you select help and select any of the options for e-sword on the web it works. You can also use ie4linux and it too works. However if you try doing anything which is specifically looking for Windows OS then no good. Could be part of the problem, but I think there is much more afoot than that.

Have you checked the Wine database, again there have been many attempts but no real success. I believe you there has been some success with earlier releases pre 2.0.

I have tried several blogs trying to get info but the whole Linux thing seems to be a taboo subject.

I gave up emailing tech support when they responded with "we do not support Linux nor do we plan to any time in the future".

But maybe if they get enough requests for a Linux version, say like in the range of millions, since 90% of their market is Windows based they may consider it.:lolflag:

Until then I recommend a vitalization.

[fordaven]

Well not that this is helpful but Libronix will never work in Linux officially. Libronix uses licensing control is only offered in Windows for its releases (meaning they cant guarentee license restrictions in Linux). The deals they make with the publishers of the books 'that they offer' state that the software will not let the user print the books within the software, only through windows can they make this guarantee. I just called again today to verify that they have no development working on making this available in Linux. I wish I could get off windows myself but I sunk my money in Libronix(I love it but I have to keep a windows session going somwhere so I can use it). Libronix is mainly coded xml and the front end is a searchable web based interface. Other than that, I know nothing.

Dave

[silvagroup]

Yeah I have some bucks sunk it too also. Not dropping any more on it however.
I am running it in Win4linpro and recently installed it on vmware server.
Runs great in both.
Vmare server is faster than win4linpro but win4lin has some really nice features which make it more practical to use. Both set up quite nicely and the Windows install also was easy.
Haven't tried Virtual Box or KVM, or any of the many other virtual systems out there yet.

[shaft350x]

well maybe Hardy will answer this with parallels. Although I really would like to get myself a little more used to virtualization.

[silvagroup]

Why wait I've been using win4lin for about five years, and vmware sever for about one year.
Vmware server, Virtual box, KVM, Xen, Qemu and Kqemu are free why buy from Apple?
And some open source. Win4lin is not open source nor free but already works with Linux and is better price than Parallels.

[shaft350x]

Yeah I didn't realize until after posting that, that they were talking about having it in a commercial repository and what not. I just don't really know where to start, plus I don't know where my XP disc is at.

[shaft350x]

My brother should be sending me my XP disc soon. I've been tinkering with Virtualbox, I've set up OpenSuse 10.3 and Hardy Heron 8.04 Alpha 6 virtual machines so far. So hopefully I'll be able to get XP and Libronix running in there.

Have any of you tried Libronix with seamless virtualization?

I'm also thinking I may want to upgrade my rig from 1G memory to 2G, so I can afford to give more to the guest(s) (or run more than 1 at a time), since right now I give them half my ram.

[rcdeacon]

I'm note sure what "seamless virtualization" is but I do have Libronix working in virtualbox in Linux Mint host and it works fine.

[shaft350x]

Here is a link to the Ubuntu documentation on seamless virtualization:
Seamless Virtualization (https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SeamlessVirtualization)

Basically I take it to mean that instead of showing up with the whole desktop it just opens up around a specific program. So it looks a little more integrated rather than like you're running a virtual machine (I assume the regular requirements for running the whole virtual machine apply) So you get your applications in their own windows.

[shaft350x]

RCDeacon, how much memory do you have on your system, and how much to your Windows (???) virtual machine?

[silvagroup]

Yeah your still running Windows OS. You can do the same with any app in any vm by just editing your regedit so that you can start with one app, I do that with my wife who only needs one app in windows. She clicks on an icon that's the icon for her app it starts windows in winlinpro, launches the app and she's right into the app.
As far as memory if you have 1GB XP will run fine w/384m for Libronix, just remember what ever you assign to the vm the more you take away from your host OS, you could run 512 i if you want, experiment and when you see no real gain in performance with the guest OS stop giving it memory. I have 3.5GB on my system and XP is assigned 384 because I could not see any improvement over 512, or 1GB. That leaves me more for other OS's I want to run consecutively
.

[shaft350x]

Not that I really foresee it happening too much, but what about when you want to run more than one windows program at a time then? Each program isn't a new vm right?

[silvagroup]

Never tried more than opening one app at a time with regedit, it's might be possible to open more than one app at a time.
Otherwise you would have to have several installs of Windows one for each app you wanted to run, and depending on your system that could make your system very slow after a several apps.
So I wouldn't consider that an option unless you have enough resources.
I usually only run Libronix but on occasions I do need something else in XP so I find it just as easy to open XP and launch the program form within XP takes a few seconds longer. But that's just my preference.

[kneewax]

OK Folks, I am wading into this discussion a little late I realise, but I thought I'd chip in quickly with a few thoughts. I gear shifted to Ubuntu fully last week, after months of toying with it - I finally killed my ******* partition in favour of Ubuntu and then installed WinXP into a VirtualBox - it is from here I am running Libronix which I only use really for my Word Biblical Commentary set - I long ago moved to the far superior e-sword for my bible tools. e-sword I got running fine under WINE although the font display could do with improving - I am sure that is just a setting I am missing somewhere in setup.

The thing is - I know that Libronix is closed source and I know that realistically they are not going to port it to any Linux formats. HOWEVER, is there any hope in looking at ways of getting the modules to sensibly display in another - open source - application. This probably pie-in-the-sky but when it comes down to it each of the books in Libronix is only XML.....


....surely someone could get under the bonnet (hood) and work something out :)

I am not a programmer and probably talking out of my hat, but its worth a thought....

Kneewax

[rcdeacon]

Recent discussions with Libronix has confirmed that Libronix will NOT work in Linux due to the licensing issues therefore it is not likely it will ever work in Wine. I have opted for virtual box (not the ose version). It is free, relatively easy to set up with the exception of a little tweaking due to usb issues but other than that it works fine. I, like some of you, will not be sinking any more money into Libronix. I use e-sword with wine and I find it works very well but it does not contain some of the resources I have become accustomed to using. Rick Meyers, the developer of e-sword is approachably however with suggestions unlike Libronix. Therefore I am currently using Hardy Heron,wine and e-sword works to do a large portion of my study and work and it works well.

[silvagroup]

rcdeacon is absolutely right. I had been emailing Logos tech support on a continual basis for some tips on getting Libronix working with wine and on getting a Linux version.

After all they have a MAC version and the MAC OS is just BSD with a proprietary GUI. I suggested that a Linux version would be much easier to develop than the MAC version, and after about seven months of emailling attempt I got this from tech support to contact suggest@logos.com. So of course I did. Their reply was very quick and to the point "we do not nor will be supporting the Linux operating system, now or in the future"

So I quess when you see all that talk they do about about supporting open source, I would highly question it and their motives since they have no plan on doing anything with open source.

From what I understand the founder of the company is an "x" Microsoft mucky muck. So go figure.

Anyway the Sword project is a very good product also and there are several different open source products which use it. I have installed it in several friends system that have switched to Linux and were in need of a good Bible software.

So check out Sword, and it's variants they are on almost all repos and again they are open source.

And as for the Libronix resources being xml, I would thing there is more than meets the eye to their files, and that it would be a major undertaking to get them to work with anything in Linux, after all wouldn't they just say to use our file with Linux you just need so, and so.

Open source means free, have you seen anything free come out of Libronix, ever.:lolflag: It's stricly about the $$$$$$$$. After all look at e-sword they are offering copyrighted materials, but they are not raping the purchaser in the process. If you look at the costs so far their most expensive item is $79.99 sure the same thing from Logos runs under $51.00 but you need to buy Libronix so you can use it, now your $51.00 just jumped to over $300.00.
Anyway for a good start on open source go here http://www.crosswire.org/index.jsp
And there' always google.

[rcdeacon]

I may have already posted this but I run Libronix using virtualbox which is free and it works great in Gutsy and in Hardy. Just ensure that you download the deb from the virtualbox site. The repo virtualbox is the ose version and you will not get the usb working in it. Once I installed the deb I had to apply a small tweak to the fstab file and viola! usb worked, Libronix worked and I was a happy camper! I am however saddened by the stance of Libronix in regards to Linux and will now begin to find another alternative that will work with Wine. I already use E-sword but there are others that may work like Bible Explorer, PC Study Bible, Quickverse, Wordsearch, etc. When I find another that will work decently in Wine that will be the one I use in addtion to E-sword.

[kneewax]

Like RCDeacon, I am using Virtual Box to run Libronix - I have to say it is the best we're going to get The Seamless interface means that I can treat ******* as if it is just another application running in Ubuntu. There is virtually no performance drop off either (and I run a Centrino based laptop with 1Gb Ram - so nothing beefy). I only continue to use the Libronix software because I have the Word Biblical Commentaries in there and they are too good to lose.

I long ago moved to e-sword for all my bible tools. Having now gone to linux they run OK under WINE although I need to do some work on the way WINE displays the fonts. (Any ideas anyone? :) ).

I highly recommend Virtual Box. and also not buying into anything more from Libronix!

Kneewax

[silvagroup]

rcdeacon would you post your fix to fstab. It could save time for others.
I am also interested in trying it. I have used VB for over a year and I am sure they have changed many things since them.

[rcdeacon]

No problem. Open your fstab file with this command:

sudo gedit /etc/fstab

Once the file is open, look for this line:

proc /proc proc defaults 0 0

Right under that line insert this line:

none /proc/bus/usb usbfs defaults,devmode=0666 0 0

Save and close and then I think you have to reboot. Once that is done usb should be working. This fix can be found in the virtualbox forums. Simply do a search for usb in the "linux hosts" section.

[silvagroup]

Thanks rcdeacon.
With VMWare it's simplemake sure the drive is mounted then from virtual machine config editor selecting the drive with the hardware tab restart your windows and there's the new drive.
Just downloaded vb last night will try it soon. Just hate having to go through all the installing of my windows programs again !!!!
I do have Logos working in VMWare Server. The Logos install was really simple, install the basic system, them sync with the website to get your licenses then using share to share my resources folder just copy resources to the vmware disk image and set up was relatively easy.
But the other I use is not that easy.
Looks like win4lin is dropping the ball on their virtual system, they used to be the leaders but they are quickly falling behind.
That reminds me it appears that Sun will soon be owing VB.

[shaft350x]

I think you can use your VMWare virtual machines in Virtualbox. The latter supports both VMDK and VDI files I believe.

I found a How-to on taking your existing installation and turning it into a VM, however it still requires a rescue CD as the VM won't boot up. I don't have a rescue CD at this point so currently I'm S.O.L. Anyways, the how-to used Qemu to do some translating of the VM produced by the VMWare Converter program. Regardless, if I am wrong and Virtualbox won't run your VM from VMWare, there is a process to convert the VM to work with Virtualbox, and save you from having to re-install everything.

[silvagroup]

Thanks shaft350x, that's good news will have to check that out.Fist I need to just get VB up and running, time permitting that will be soon.

[rcdeacon]

Silvagroup, I did not know about Sun getting in on VB. I'll keep my eyes open for more info.

[silvagroup]

rcdeacon it's on the Virtual Box web site. And Sun's site also.

[CPImmanuel]

Yes, I also have resigned myself to the fact that Libronix will never run natively under Ubuntu. I have a virtual box with Windows Home Edition running just for three programs: Libronix, Pocket Bible and OneNote.
I am slowly migrating away from OneNote to a native Linux program, but there are books in Libronix and PacketBible that are not available in any of the other Bible programs. for example, The Word Biblical Commentary (Libronix) and The Spirit of the Reformation Study Bible (Pocket Bible).
I will probably have to put the Pradis software program in the virtual box also, since I have not been able to get that to run under WINE either.
I am waiting for the new version of Ubuntu later this week and will try to set it up on another laptop and when I have some time, play with other options. I am pretty busy with my work as an systems engineer/software Architect and church activities so I do not have much time to play except on vacation.
I do monitor the forums from time to time and try different things...It is interesting that some s/w developers don't seem to have a problem with licenses and are able to provide support on a cross platform basis and others do.

For the time being, I will have to either get a windows license and use VMWARE or virtual box on Linux laptops that I get or buy Windows machines and do a reformat and install Ubuntu and use the license in a virtual environment....It does waste some resources but on my 1.7 Gb machine it is not too bad with 1 GB of memory. That is with a fair number of programs running natively under Ubuntu.


Paul

[dstark]

rcdeacon,

Are you using Libronix 3? If so, how did you get your unlocked resources copied to the harddrive? I've synchronized my licenses with Libronix in virtualbox, but when I go to library management to copy my unlocked resources to the harddrive, no resources are listed as available or unlocked on the removable medium (DVD).

I've just been playing with Ubuntu this past week for the first time, so any help you or anyone else could give would be wonderful.

Thanks so much!

[silvagroup]

Don't copy your resources from the DVD, just have Libronix find the resources.
With the DVD in the drive start Libronix, it will search for resources and tell you that it found some that are not on local drive and it will guide yu from there.
Our if that doesn't happen then you go Tools>Library>Location Management and you can do the same thing.

Blessings.

[dstark]

Thanks, silvagroup. I just realized that I just hadn't allowed enough time for Libronix to discover the resources on the DVD fully :-|.

Patience is a virtue :-).... Thanks, again.

[rcdeacon]

dstark, hope all goes well. I did manage to copy all my resources in the normal fashion. The DVD discovered the resources and I was also to add another cd (McArthurs library). Post again or pm me if you need any further assistance.

[stevenyu]

hi guys,

any news on getting libronix running under wine, I still don't know why Logos will do a Mac version but not a Linux version, when Mac is on BSD which is also a UNIX var OS.

I guess it might have something to do with the creator of logos, they are ex microsoft employeers!!!

[rcdeacon]

stevenyu, I have NOT been able to get it to work under wine and it does not look good at least for the immediate future. A number of signed up on the wine site stating that they would be willing to pay in order to get some additional wine support. I have actually personally called the Logos people to petition for Linux support but they are intimately involved with the Microsoft crowd and will not even entertain the notion of making their product work with anything else but Windows. I would dump Logos were it not that I have made a significant investment in Logos. Currently I use Logos on Linux with virtualbox. Not the best but the best that can be done at the present.

[stevenyu]

I am planning to upgrade my HD on my laptop soon, once I have the extra disk space, I will install Ubuntu and the latest build of Wine, and see if I can do something about Libronix.

I wonder whether it is possible for us to run Mac version under Linux? Is there a program like "Wine" for Mac under Linux?

[rcdeacon]

My son has a mac and if I am not mistaken there is an emulator program. I do not know the name but I believe there is one out there. I wish you success in your quest to make Libronix work. It sure would be a blessing to many of us who have Libronix, and would like to use in in either Mac or Linux and can't. Thanks.

[silvagroup]

For the MAc you would use Paralleles of course being Apple branded it is not cheap. With linux and MAC running Linux you have a number of options.
There is Virtual Box, KVN, XEN, VMWARE server, Win4LinPro, just to name some of the few visualizers out there.
I have been using win4linpro for over six years and Libronix and XP work great in it.
I recently did a kvm install and it too works well. KVM takes more work to set up and get all the funtionality that comes with win4lin but win4lin is also not free, but it is very reasonably priced at 29.99 and this is the Ubuntu Edition.
Here is the website:http://www.win4lin.com/landing/index-ubn.html. So start enjoying your Libronix under Linux, also you can try it for thirty days free to see if it works.

Also i Have a VmWare server installed that works well, however again some of the functionality between host and quest will take some set up work.

In the screen shot I have Libronix running in win4linpro, E-sword running in Wine and Open Office all in Ubuntu.

[stevenyu]

I have started playing with Libronix in Ubuntu using "Virtual Box" in my Windows Vista.

1 - Install Wine using the latest deb build, using the following instruction (http://www.winehq.org/site/download-deb)

2 - Install ie4linux, as Internet Explorer 6 is part of the system requirement for Libronix (http://www.tatanka.com.br/ies4linux/page/Installation:Ubuntu)

3 - Install Libronix,

This is tricky, I thought the installer from the Logos (http://www.logos.com/support/downloads/ldls/newuser) website contain everything you need, but not so.

After install the"Core" installer, I had a look at the "program file directory", and I can't find the same "ldls.exe" which is the exe used in Windows. So I pull out my Libronix original CD, and go to "\System\Install", and install serval of the msi package which have Libronix as part of its file name, then I manage to get the "ldls.exe" file.

4 - When I run the "ldls.exe" the Libronix logos comes up, and that's all I have done so far.

I am planning to use filemon tonight in windows to monitor which dll and exe files used by Libronix, and see what can be done.

I will also be submitting all the debugging information to Wine HQ (http://appdb.winehq.org/)!!!

[stevenyu]

Look like some people are also working on Logos at Codeweaver (http://www.codeweavers.com/compatibility/browse/name/?app_id=321)

[silvagroup]

Again if your going pay try win4linpro, I have used it for Libronix for over five years maybe six, they even have an Ubuntu version for $29.99 with a 30 day free trial and it's an easy install.
Or you can use vmware server which runs Libronix just fine also. I have kvm installed and working with windows my next step is to try a Libronix install.

[stevenyu]

For all testing results please email to me or submit to the following post on WINE application database.

http://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager.php?sClass=version&iId=13714 (http://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager.php?sClass=version&iId=13714)

The more we work on it the better the chance it will take notice by the WINE team, so keep trying.

I did further test with the wine console, it shows some kind of graphic module been broken.

[stevenyu]

Did any one of you actually been able to run the 30eAutoUpdate.lbxupd under WINE? I have try to open the file via update.exe under SYSTEM but nothing happens.

[silvagroup]

From my digging around part of the reason it won't run in wine is that the developer of Libronix is an ex M$ programmer and has deep roots in Windows. The Libronix system depends on Windows Explorer and until that runs in wine without any hiccups chances are neither will Libronix.

[briancb]

I have had a little success in that I got libronix installed in wine as you can see in the attached screen shot. It is most frustrating that I cannot get any more toolbars to appear.

I first installed IE6 by using http://www.tatanka.com.br/ies4linux/page/Main_Page and then installing from Logos site within ie6. I had to do this twice as the first install brought an error up but the second I have what you see.

There must be a dll not working or something. Unfortunately I do not know enough about how it all works to fathom it out. Maybe some one out there may have a suggestion.

[silvagroup]

It's not so much a problem with Internet explorer as it is with Windows Explorer.
If and when WINE can ever run Windows Explorere the possibility of running Libronix may be possible, but that seems to be a real stiopping point with WINE and most of the Windows only programs.
The Libronix issue has been worked on for over six years that I am aware of and if you have a very early 2.o version it will run, with problems amd loss of functionality but it will run.
Again the best bet is an emulator.

[stevenyu]

This is very intresting indeed, after try to install it via command line, the Installer package just quite, however if you launch the installer from IE itself, it will install and even the update package work when you launch under IE.

[stevenyu]

Ok, now I am stuck with everyone else, when I launch Libronix, it only shows the outline of libronix window but no content within.

Time to do more debugging!!!

[stevenyu]

Damn, even the commercial version of wine "crossover" doesn't work!!!

unh, this is the only software I can't get it to work native under Linux, arh!!!

[starcannon]

Logos is not really my thing, but my Father in Law is a retired pastor and its one of 2 programs forcing him to continue using windows. I have him set up with a wubi install at the moment. He requires Logos and MS Money (I set him up with Gnucash we'll see if he likes it). I put Gnome Sword on as well, though I have no idea if its as good or even similar to libronix.

Anyway +1 for Libronix Logos on Linux from me as well; I will note it is a very commercial endeavor(quite expensive if I recall correctly), and you can be sure that the Libronix company isn't likely going to want it to be F/OSS so they are going to need a way of getting it to linux while still keeping the hood welded shut.

Also have you checked out Gnome Sword (http://gnomesword.sourceforge.net/)? Its an F/OSS Bible Study Software that may do everthing you need, or not, I'm not sure what features your after.
http://gnomesword.sourceforge.net/

GL and have fun.

[kneewax]

With respect to StarCannon - this thread is not about trying to find alternatives to Libronix. And Gnome Sword certainly is not an alternative (to much really). If you want really good Bible software you would already be using e-Sword under Wine, as there is still nothing in the native Linux world that even comes close to touching this freeware for functionality and expandability.

Libronix is proprietary software that allows the user to use ebooks of bible commentaries and the like. All the 'books' are in the bespoke Libronix file format. The software itself is clunky, bloated and really annoying. BUT many of us have a lot of £££'s [insert own local currency here!] invested in the books Libronix stores, so getting this running would make our lives a good deal easier.

It seems we are frustratingly close to getting it running, I now have the shell of Libronix running, but only with a single search menu bar and no access to the books.

Sadly I think it may not be possible. However if we could work out what specific DLLs libronix calls we may have more of a chance to get it running. But there is a fair chance that it just never will.

Lets keep plugging at it guys, but for now I am continuing to rely on Virtual Box for when I need access to Libronix....

[stevenyu]

Libronix were build on top of dot NET technologies, they should be able to port it over using MONO. I want my Libronix to work in native Linux!!! :(

[silvagroup]

That was suggested several years ago. Their reply was that they do not intend to support Linux in any way, in their words "Now or in the future."

I believe I still have the email response stating that from Libronix still around some where.
So don't hold your breath for a Linux port of Libronix any time "now or in the future."

But again it runs just great with the VM software available.
Actually my Libronix runs faster in win4linpro than it does natively in my laptop.
So that's not necessarily a bad thing.
Of course that could be do to the fact there's no firewall, virus checker, ad, malware, update, blah, blah, blah, software and that the XP in win4linpro is optimized with everything off except the absolutely necessary items to run the OS. It is running with 512 ram and a 20 gig image.

You can see Libronix in the foreground in screenwin4lin2, on the left is E-sword running under Wine and on the right is Open Office running native Linux, which I clip and paste from Libronix and E-sword to when doing sermons and studies.

In screenshot3 you have E-sword foreground, OO on the left and Libronix on the right.

I don't know that we really need a port to Linux. Of course once XP is no longer supported that may become a problem as Libronix becomes Vista centric. But from what I have read so far Vista runs just fine in some of the VM software also, so that may not be a problem except for those of us who don't own a Vista license and it becomes mandatory for Libronix operations.

[EnGorDiaz]

Thanks a bunch!

I'm going to try and get more people around here, (my fellow seminarians) who I got into Ubuntu to send a letter as well.

A major selling point for us on this one that I forgot to mention in my letter to them, is that Dell will be offering computers pre-installed with Ubuntu Linux. So Linux will likely be gaining more and more attention, and users. Which will make it a good investment for them.

I've also heard Mac described as "basically Linux with a really pretty X server" I'm not sure on how similar they actually are, but if Logos is already making a Libronix for Mac could it possibly be more easy to use that work to make one for Linux? I'm probably just dreaming.

mac is more of a bsd variant but its not as open bsd itself isnt nearly open at all

[cardinals_fan]

mac is more of a bsd variant but its not as open bsd itself isnt nearly open at all
What are you talking about? I apologize if English isn't your first language (learning a new language is definitely hard!), but that post was completely incoherent.

[silvagroup]

EnGorDiaz theres nothing wrong with writting to them the more people do that the better.
When I started my attempts I also mentioned to them that since they were working with a Mac version a Linux version would be a much simpler matter and that most of the code was already available because of the Mac version. Apples OS is a bsd OS with a propietary GUI. And by the way EnGorDiaz the OS which is called Darwin is open source.
That's when I got the headline news that they have no intention of supporting Linux in anyway.
As for the Dell offering of Linux, it's not somethink they play up very much and the price for a Windos PC and Linux PC is only a few dollars less so that the Linux version isn't as attractive as it could be.
And there is still that little issue about the fact that over 90% of PC's out there are running Windows.
Libronix is more intrested in making money so they will aim their product at the larger market shares.
Maybe when Linux gets to be in the 20 to 30 % desktop share maybe then they'll be more likely to look at a Linux version, maybe.
But again it works just fine in the VM software so we still can use Libronix and keep our Linux system up and running I alos use Publisher and Adobe Acrobat with my virtualizer and a couple other Windows only programs.

[skao]

Hi Everyone

Not quite sure I put this in the right thread, but since this is linux and libronix related thread so I will put it here

I just got my Logos 3 setup under Linux (Ubunut 8.04) using VirtualBox (2.0.2). It run quite well. The only problem I have is that if I do a Lirbonix Update from the menu, for the large resource (i.e. Logos Deluxe Map set) I can see the single resource progress bar progress quite smoothly, but it stop at 100% for a long long long time before continue to the next resource download. Look like the larger the resource file the longer it stuck on 100% for single resource

Has anyone having the same problem as well ? I don't recall I got this problem under Windows.

Thanks for your help

God bless
Stephen

[silvagroup]

I don't use virtual box, but if it's completing and just taking a long time that could be normal for what it's doing under VB.
The best way I found to set up my Libronix resources was ro copy my resource folder from a Windows installation to my VM. In my case with win4linpro, it uses the same Documents folder for both Linux and win4linpro so it is a no brainer.
You may want to just copy your resouces folder from a Windows install to your VB install to make it easier and less time cosuming for ir to discover resources.

[skao]

silvagroup

Thanks, I will give this a try, the next time I try to up date my Logos

Thanks and God bless
Stephen

[silvagroup]

Glad to help.
Blessings.

[jonathonblake]

That was suggested several years ago. Their reply was that they do not intend to support Linux in any way, in their words "Now or in the future."

Considering that it took them five years to come up with a version for the Mac that almost works, I'm not really surprised at that response.

However, I wouldn't be at all surprised if they change their tune in three or so years.

In an ideal world, Accordance and Libronix would use the same file formats, and either those two, or another organization would provide a program for Linux that can read it.

xan

jonathon

[stevenyu]

On Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008, any one visiting the CodeWeavers' Web site (www.codeweavers.com (http://www.codeweavers.com/)) will be given a deal code that will entitle them to one free copy of CodeWeavers' award-winning CrossOver software. Each copy comes complete with support.

http://www.codeweavers.com/about/general/press/20081027/

[silvagroup]

WOW, Codeweavers is offering there product for free just qownloaded it. HAving never used it it will be intresting eperimenting with it and seeing if it is a better alternative to win4linpro. Win4linpro has now moved to kvm and man it really works great, my Libronix is about 20% faster now and M$ Publisher loads up instantly.
We'll see how codeweaver compares.
I beleive they also always offered a free trial version of their product also if I recall correctly.
Anyway thanks for the information stevenyu.

[stevenyu]

For those who download the free CrossOver, don't forget to vote for Libronix in the App DB!!! We need more dedicate personal to provide enoguth debugging information to WINE and Codeweaver to get Libronix working under Linux!!!

[MasterNetra]

I have no idea what Libronix is but i have sent a email requesting a version for Linux/Ubuntu. :) If for no other reason to get more software ports for Linux. :)

[funkydan2]

I don't know if anyone else has done this, but I've just installed something called "Process Explorer" in my WindowsXP VirtualBox install to try and get an idea of what DLLs and OCXs that Libronix uses in order to install them in Wine/CrossOver to get past the 'can't see the menu' problem.

I'm in Exams at the moment, so I'm not going to look any further at this for a few weeks, but for anyone who's interested, I've attached the output from Process Explorer so that you can see what DLLs/OCXs are being used by Libronix and maybe play around with getting a bit further under Wine/Crossover.

(I've already noticed that some DirectX libraries are being used, which I think might be the cause of some problems.)

Daniel

(PS the filename has a .exe.txt extension because it's a TEXT report about all the processes associated with LDLS.exe - the main Libronix executable. It's not an executable, just pure ASCII/Unicode!)

[stevenyu]

Hi Daniel

Good to know I am not the only person who is trying to get libronix working under wine/crossover.

Can I post your process list on both the wine application database and crossover at codeweaver?

By the way you probably already knows logos has released the macintosh engine, I have already post my comment in regards to a linux engine, make your voice heard:

http://blog.logos.com/archives/2008/11/logos_bible_software_for_mac.html

[funkydan2]

Hey Steve,

Please post that list wherever you see fit - I'd be stoked if I could get Libronix working through crossover, rather than needing to keep a virtual machine around in order to use it. (Though I may be jumping through similar hoops in order to get something like BibleWorks up and running next year.)

Daniel

[funkydan2]

I've finished exams, and will probably start having a play with the libraries mentioned in that text file next week. Has anyone else tried including some of those libraries and found anything that does/doesn't work?

Daniel

[stevenyu]

Hi Daniel

I haven't got a great time testing the Libronix, maybe you can give it a try in the latest WINE release.

[jonathonblake]

I have no idea what Libronix is

If one attends seminary, one pretty much has to have this program. (BibleWorks 8.0 and Accordance are the only contenders. I _think_ that the former runs under WINE. The Accordance program developers claim that it runs on Linux using whatever emulation software is needed to get Mac software to run on Linux.


a email requesting a version for Linux/Ubuntu. :) If for no other reason to get more software ports for Linux. :)

I'm not sure that the Linux market will be profitable enough for Libronix Library Systems to invest the money into migrating, and supporting it as a native application.

Let's face it, software that costs US$10K hasn't done very well in the Linux market.

jonathon

[jaa1180]

Has anyone been able to get Libronix to work with Crossover or Wine yet???

[funkydan2]

Nope. With crossover, I managed to get it installed and 'running', but for some reason none of the contents of the windows were drawn, and although keyboard shortcuts worked, I couldn't even work out how to unlock the resources in my library.

Back to running Windows XP inside virtual box for me.

[silvagroup]

Just checked the winehg database and no one shows any success there either.
Just install one of the many vm's and install it that way.
It works very well in the vm software.

[cctsurf]

I regularly use Libronix 2.1c under wine, what I do is: 1. I install ies4linux 2. copy the files and directories in the /home/user/.ies4linux/ie6 directory to a clean .wine directory. 3. I download and unzip the libronix 2.1c .zip file available on the www.logos.com ftp server. (it seems they have made them more difficult to find...) :( 4. I run wine setup.exe from the correct directory. 5. Sometimes this crashes, rerun it. 6. When it attempts to update the installation, it always crashes, so I cd to the Setup directory under the unzipped install files and run: wine ~/.wine/drive_c/Program\ Files/Libronix\ DLS/System/Update.exe AutoUpdate.lbxupd (sometimes twice, though with wine 1.1.23 and recent, I haven't had too much trouble.) once finished, I have a very much working Libronix 2.1c install, I see some comments earlier about checking the dll's, etc. that Libronix is using, I'd really like to get the 3.0 version running.

[dyess002]

If one attends seminary, one pretty much has to have this program. (BibleWorks 8.0 and Accordance are the only contenders. I _think_ that the former runs under WINE. The Accordance program developers claim that it runs on Linux using whatever emulation software is needed to get Mac software to run on Linux.



I'm not sure that the Linux market will be profitable enough for Libronix Library Systems to invest the money into migrating, and supporting it as a native application.

Let's face it, software that costs US$10K hasn't done very well in the Linux market.

jonathon


I believe that it is possible for Logos to consider making a compatible software for the Linux operating System, If we continue to ask and don't take no for a answer They will have to look our way. The Window world is slowly turning their eyes toward the Linux world and I think that Logos will be a GREAT addition to the Linux circle. It is used a great deal here on this PC. We need to start groups for this cause and get the word around to others. It will be a great cause.
Ubuntu has a bible program in Synaptic but it don't hold a candle to the software that we use on our PC that is windows based. The Logos program itself is not a big program it is the Resources that is big and that won't have to be changed just added to the programs library.

[stevenyu]

I have started a forum thread under the new Logos Bible Software Forum, all those people who want to have a linux version, raise your voice!!!

http://community.logos.com/forums/t/121.aspx

[silvagroup]

It never hurts to keep on trying. I have been at it for over five years, and that got me a response that "they were never going to do that". :lolflag:

As was mentioned earlier it's about the money !!!!!

And as long as M$ has the majority of the market, that's where Libronix will be. So far they still have over 85% of the market and I don't expect that's going to change to much.

But all is not lost, for now an emulator, which is free in *nix OS, will make Logos3.* work just fine under *nix OS. I expect that may change in the near future and only M$ branded software will be the only acceptable software for Windows users, of course it's strictly their concern about the users security;)

[Maniactic]

Has anyone tried using "Win4Lin" and run Libronix inside? I was thinking about giving it a try, but if anyone already knows that it does not work, please tell me.

Thanks

[silvagroup]

That's the way only way I've been able to run Libronix within Linux for over six years now, and it works GREAT.

But I have lso experimented with vmware server and virtual box. They too worked. I stuck with Win4LinPro because it has everything already configured and makes for a real nice quick setup and go.

I haven't tried VB or vm recently, they maybe as good as win4lin now, but I still get free updates for win4lin and if it works don't fix it.

[aharown07]

Which is best?
I'm a long time Libronix user and am just now downloading my first .iso to have a go at Linux. Own several copies of XP, so that's no problem. I just wonder what the easiest virtualization approach would be a complete Linux novice? (I say complete, but I can do maybe three things at a Linux command line :) .... change directories, change permissions... seems like I did a little rsync once).
Anyway, I have decent technical aptitude, but very little knowledge of Linux and noneof virtualization.
Advice?

I've read about these: Virtual Box, KVN, XEN, VMWARE server, Win4LinPro... so maybe which of these wd be best for a newb?

[silvagroup]

I haven't tried any of the latest open source virtualizers because I am very content with Win4LinPro. This unlike the open source versions is not free. I would suggest you try them all until you try the free ones first. Most of them even a few years back when I tried then were pretty easy set up and from what I recall I never had to do use cli for setup.

[dyess002]

VB is good, just don't get the one in the synaptic manager because it has some bad flaws. Go to VB's site and get the .deb one and you will be happy. It is free also.

[aharown07]

Thanks.
I've got VBox working now and yes, Libronix works fine in it.
Still a bit of a nuisance having to run a virtual environment to run Lib., but I also have a couple of other apps that are difficult/impossible to get working right in WINE. So... it may be quite some time before I can say goodbye to Windows completely.

But if there is a way to bribe, threaten, trick or otherwise manipulate the good folks at Logos into making Linux version, that would be so, so sweet.

[AndrewGodfrey]

Version 4 of Libronix has just been released. At the moment you need to purchase a package to use it (box sets or http://www.logos.com/minimalcrossgrade), although an upgrade from 3 to 4 should be available via libronix update soon.

It is not an upgrade but a complete code re write AND Internet Explorer is no longer a requirement - that is a good sign for getting it to run under wine.

[silvagroup]

Let us know how it works.

Personally I thing that Libronix will make sure it's not a Linux friendly application.

And I can't currently justify spending more money on Libronix. Version 3 works just fine in the emulator. It's paid for and with so many Internet resources I don't know if I ever will upgrade, unless it becomes priced along the lines of Linux and it's software.

I have already kissed off Bill Gates and cohorts, Steve Jobs and cohorts now Nate Parker and cohorts. ):P

[scuffle]

This IS exciting! I love Logos and, currently, it is the reason why I have not totally switched to Ubuntu. I currently have a dual boot system but spend most of my time in Windows because of Logos. I welcome the day when that will no longer be the case. Maybe that day just got a little closer...

[silvagroup]

scuffle don't let Logos keep you from ditching Windows.

I have been running Logos from an emulator for over six years and it runs just as fast in my emulator as it does natively in Windows. I even ran it in a 586 system with 1GB ram w/o any issues what so ever.

Haven't read anywhere that anyone has had any success with version 4 in Wine, yet.

And from my many communications over those six years with the Logos folk, I would say that it's a good bet it won't be a very simple thing to get to work in Wine, if at all.

They are NOT at all interested in the open source *nix OS's. The amount of work required to get Logos to work on open source *nix and support it for less than 2% of the market share does not make it a profitable venture for Logos so they won't be going there. Even if version 4 were to run in Wine any issues you would have would not be supported by Logos so your back Windows or Apple if you need support. So might as well go Windows on emulator and if one has problems you have a much better chance of getting your support issue worked out.

[scuffle]

VB is good, just don't get the one in the synaptic manager because it has some bad flaws. Go to VB's site and get the .deb one and you will be happy. It is free also.

Maybe this explains the problems I was having with it? I'll try this later tonight when I get home.


Haven't read anywhere that anyone has had any success with version 4 in Wine, yet.

I was reading through the community forums today on my lunch break and it looks like no one has had any luck with it yet.

Why would you recommend using Win4Lin over VB or something similar?

[silvagroup]

I recommended win4lin simply because it's what worked best for me over the years.

That said I have not tried VB in a couple of years, so the state of VB could be at or better than win4lin. There is also qemu, vmware server and kvm.

Win4lin now uses kvm if your cpu is kvm compatible and qemu if it's not.

I am going to experiment with kvm doing a windows install to see how that works by itself.

This post has given me a renewed interest in the other virtual technologies as well so given the time I am going to try then out again with XP.

What I suggest is trying them all, since they can all be had for free (win4lin 30 day trail period) and use the one that meets YOUR individual needs.

If any one does this also please post back your findings specifically on how Libronixs performed. I will do the same.

[silvagroup]

To follow up with my last post I did an install of XP with kvm using Virtual Machine Manager in Ubuntu. The XP install went flawlessly I am currently doing all the XP updates.

I haven't done a install of Libronix yet but will after I finish setting up XP. By the way there are many things you can do to improve the performance of XP, This will only be needed for systems with limited resources or older systems http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=1590

But now I recall some of the reasons I really liked win4lin over VB and vmware server. I have my Libronix set up as a floating application, so all I have to do is click on my Libronix icon on my desktop and Logos starts running without my having to launch the complete XP system, waiting and then manoeuvring thru XP to launch Libronix and waiting again, and then reverse the process to when finished, sure most the system starts in the back ground but all that I have to deal with in the front end is Logos.

Also things like clipping and pasting between host and guest, drives, usb devices, printers ... were for the most part preconfigured with win4lin. It's not that I am lazy, but time is always an issue.

Again I haven't really looked at any of the other virtualizers for a couple of years and those may not be issues any more.

[dyess002]

silvagroup (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=56875)

This Win4lin may be something to look into if you can make an application run without having to go through a boot up process . That would bring a great feature to Linux that Linux users have been looking for.

[silvagroup]

dyess002 to be a little more clearer, Windows still boots up in the background, other wise the Windows programs would not run, but all you see in the front end is your App. The developers have just taken advantage of the ability of launching Windows app on start up and turned it into a floating application on the Linux desktop so that all you see is the app come up.
I believe VMWare was also working on doing something similar, so that could also be available in the other virtualizers.

I did an install of XP in kvm itself, install went well but didn't give myself enough disk space, so I'll have to do another install. Then install Libronix and do some playing around. I have no doubt that Libronix will work, but not sure how peripherals, clip and pasting and other things will work.

Will post back as I test.

[silvagroup]

Clip and paste between host and guest is not an out of the box capability with kvm, and after doing much Googling is not a simple thing to achieve, I have yet to get it working. If you don't need this function not a big deal! Personally I use it allot.

Also one thing I forgot to mention kvm only works with CPU's that supports hardware virtualization, not all do.

I am not sure about VB. But for those with hardware that doesn't support virtulization there is always qemu, kqemu and I believe VMWare server (not too positive on VM).

Will post back when and if I get clip and paste working and I still haven't tried printing and accessing my documents on my host and other such things, so I will post on those also given the time.

These can be done it's just a matter of the time and know how.

Again this kind of thing is what has kept me with Win4Lin, these things just work out of the box.

[aharown07]

I've been having good success w/vbox for a couple of months now. Copy and paste does work. You copy passages but then you have go to the Linux app and paste. But it does work.
What I wish is that alt+tab would work to switch from the vbox to my Linux apps. But of course, the vbox has no way of knowing whether you want to switch among apps on the box or outside it. If I could find a parameter to chg somewhere, I'd set it to always assume I'm going outside the box. I wouldn't miss it otherwise.
Only use Windows for two apps now... maybe three. 99% of the time, it's just for Libronix.

Praying for native Linux ver. someday. But I suppose if that happens, I'll know I've died and gone to Heaven... and won't need it anymore.;)

[silvagroup]

There must be some kind of setting that you can change because w/win4lin alt tab works fine so check the VB documentation for that setting.
Libronix and an old version of Acrobat are all I use Windows for. Could probably run Acrobat from Wine, haven't tried it yet.

[mxreader]

Well, I'm still running windows because of Libronix, now because of iTunes too. Ubuntu can be version 100.10 and if it cannot easily run Libronix Logos....

[aharown07]

The problem isn't Linux--at least in the case of Logos. The multimedia problems are inherent in Linux because it's free and the multimedia products involve digital rights management and royalties etc.

But no software written for Windows works in Linux. There has to be a Linux version.

I still use both Linux and Windows. There are things I like about both and since Win7 is much improved over Vista, I'm finding it not so painful.
All the same, I'd rather be 100% Linux. Maybe someday.

[silvagroup]

Not sure if you have read all the previous posts but you can do as I do and run Logos and Windows right from your Linux install by running a virtual machine for Windows. Virtual Box is free and works really well with even Windows 7, but please don't go and buy Windows 7, save your money and keep your XP or Vista version and use those in VB.
That will also work for your itunes as well.
The best thing hoewver is not to fall for all the marketing hipe and keep your money and buy alternative products that don't tie you into proprietary hardware and software, after all that's why we use Linux isn't it.

[aharown07]

Not sure if you have read all the previous posts but you can do as I do and run Logos and Windows right from your Linux install by running a virtual machine for Windows. Virtual Box is free and works really well with even Windows 7, but please don't go and buy Windows 7, save your money and keep your XP or Vista version and use those in VB.
That will also work for your itunes as well.
The best thing hoewver is not to fall for all the marketing hipe and keep your money and buy alternative products that don't tie you into proprietary hardware and software, after all that's why we use Linux isn't it.
I used Logos in an XP Vbox for over a year. When I'm in my Linux environment and need to use Logos, that's how I do it. However, this is still not Logos running in Liniux. I't Logos running in Windows... in Linux.
I much prefer being able to use it natively.

Win7 came with the new laptop. It comes with many of the usual Windows headaches (I still BSOD about twice a week, for example... but oddly, always when I'm out of the room doing something else). Anyway, my point is that there are tradeoffs. I don't like waiting for a VM to load then waiting again to run Logos. And I don't like how the copy verses function works from the VM to documents open in the Linux environment. All formatting is stripped away.
And app switching... instead of Alt+Tabbing back to my document I have to Hostkey+Alt+Tab (programed this to be Alt also, but it means I have to Alt+Alt+Tab... which sometimes I remember to do and sometimes don't... and sometimes "remember" to do when I shouldn't because I'm already in the Linux desktop)

The ideal by a large margin would be a working Linux version of Logos. I realize there is no money in this for Logos and maybe a small loss (except in good will), but an older version of the program (say Libronix 3) could be licensed to a group to develop a Linux version of that.
I guess when there is really a market for this, the idea will take off. But not until.

[silvagroup]

Agree native would be a really wonderful thing, however reality is that will NEVER happen.


The ideal by a large margin would be a working Linux version of Logos. I realize there is no money in this for Logos and maybe a small loss (except in good will), but an older version of the program (say Libronix 3) could be licensed to a group to develop a Linux version of that.
I guess when there is really a market for this, the idea will take off. But not until.

This conversation goes back over 6 years and the dogmatic response from Logos is that "they don't ever intend in making a Linux version."

WINE would work with them to make Libronix work in WINE, but instead Libronix makes every effort to make sure that this doesn't happen.

My vm boots up fast so there is not much waiting, (did major tweaking on Widows so all that boots are the essential OS items) you can also boot the vm and Libronix when your system boots so that you don't see any delay when you run Libronix, I have Libronix set up as a floating app and have the launch icon on my avant manager. From response and appearance it looks like it's running native in Linux, rather than actually running Windows in a vm. My Libronix performs better in my vm than it did when it ran native in Windows. Windows runs better, as strange as that may sound, boot is less than 3 seconds.
As for the clip and paste I found that if I wanted to keep the formatting that installing open office and using it within the vm took care of that problem, but it was a waste of space, formatting was that much of an issue for me so went back to clip and paste. I am still using version 3, haven't seen a need to spend more money on an already very expensive software. Maybe one of these days when I have some money to blow.

[jonathonblake]

The ideal by a large margin would be a working Linux version of Logos. I realize there is no money in this for Logos and maybe a small loss (except in good will),

Libronix makes their money from selling resources, not the program. (You can download the core program for gratis.)


I guess when there is really a market for this, the idea will take off. But not until.

The Sword Project has the potential of matching Libronix feature for feature and function for function. The issue would be the resources that Libronix has, that the content copyright holders have pledged will never be availble for The Sword Project, or any other FLOSS program.

jonathon

[silvagroup]

I guess when there is really a market for this, the idea will take off. But not until.
"Freely you received freely give."
There are so many good projects which do offer really great products for free and/or minimal costs and the Internet opens up all kinds of great research tools for studying the word. So I have chosen to support those efforts instead. If more folks would do this we could possibly see a change, but I won't hold my breath for that.
Don't hold you breath to see anything for Linux from Logos or you'll be before The Lord in short order. Gee then you won't need Libronix.:)

[steve.t]

The issue would be the resources that Libronix has, that the content copyright holders have pledged will never be availble for The Sword Project, or any other FLOSS program.

jonathon

Why is that? In the capitalist world that we live in, isn't it good sense to sell your product to whoever wants to buy it. Just because we choose a particular OS doesn't make us heathens.

On another note: I just stumbled across Mono from Novell. As I understand it, Mono is already packaged in Ubuntu.

Now, the geniuses at Codeweavers seem to be beating their heads against a brick wall when it comes to Logos / Libronix, and I don't envy them the heartache / headache. I did notice one post in their forum that says that a pre-requisite for Logos 4 is .NET v3.5 or better, which Wine and Crossover do not (yet) support.

I know zero about programming, etc, so this is a wild stab in the dark: can Mono help us get Logos running on Linux?

Cheers,
Steve

[aharown07]

This is an old thread now, but for everybody who said "never" about Logos and Linux... Logos 4 beta has been released for Android.
http://community.logos.com/forums/t/34373.aspx

...and Android is Linux. (Shhh! Maybe the Logos people don't know that! ;) )

I have no idea what's involved in getting it to work in Ubuntu and other Linux distro's but I have to think the short answer is "not much."

[jonathonblake]

T...and Android is Linux. (Shhh! Maybe the Logos people don't know that! ;)

Android is sexy, and has measurable marketshare.

Linux isn't sexy, and has a marketshare that can't be measured.

BTW, if you can prove beyond any shadow of doubt that more than 15% of the desktops out there are running Linux, Libronix will be ported to Linux.

Microsoft's figures showng Linux will twice the marketshare of Mac OS X don't cut it.

I have no idea what's involved in getting it to work in Ubuntu and other Linux distro's but I have to think the short answer is "not much."

That depends upon how the code for Android was written.

And whether or not Libronix is willing to purchase three or four linux boxes for each developer. (When Libronix for Mac OS X was being developed, thieves broke in and stole all of the mac systems, pointedly ignoring the Windows systems --- twice.)

jonathon

[aharown07]

Three or four Linux boxes for each developer? What on earth for? Surely they know how to install GRUB and boot to multiple distros on one box (if not, it takes about 20 minutes of reading, tops, to learn how).

Security problems at their facilities are another matter entirely.... not relevant.

But, really, Logos doesn't have to do anything. Somebody is bound to develop a set of packages for running Android apps on, say, Debian (which is quite likely to work on Ubuntu and Mint as well).

[jonathonblake]

Three or four Linux boxes for each developer? What on earth for?

Even with the explanation, I guess it was too subtle.

jonathon

[aharown07]

Even with the explanation, I guess it was too subtle.

jonathon
Yeah, that's it.

[aharown07]

In the vein of "Android on PC," at least one project is underway.
http://www.android-x86.org/

Edit:
I'm told that you can also obtain the Android SDK and run an Android emulator. That's pretty geeky for regular folks like me though so I'm thinking it'll be a while before I give that a try.

Android SDK: http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html
Info on emulator: http://developer.android.com/guide/developing/tools/emulator.html