Is it possible to run NXT-G software under Linux using Wine?

Solution 1:

I did some research and found a this thread that claims that the programming languages should work under Wine. Someone on the same thread said he/she ran it in VirtualBox instead of Wine.

However, the Mindstorms software is listed in Wine's application data as being "garbage." I think that means it doesn't run at all.

Solution 2:

Here's what I would try. You can start an MS Windows Micro instance (virtual machine/VM) on Amazon Web Services (AWS). An AWS micro VM cost nothing if you have Linux on it but since you need Windows it's $0.03 per hours. The price list is on this page. If the micro instance is too small or too slow, you can use a bigger one (an Extra Large is $0.96/hour).

You can install the LEGO software on it and work remotely. To avoid installing the LEGO software each time you can even create your own VM an relaunch it whenever you need.

The only downside I see is the IO between the VM and the physical LEGO NXT brick. This could probably be solved by creating a proxy port on your home computer through which the LEGO software on the VM could communicate with the brick. This need to be tested since I don't have an NXT. If this part is too complicated (or impossible) you could look for other ways to upload the code on the NXT from the Windows VM.

If you never played with AWS, I suggest to start with a Linux micro instance (e.g. Ubuntu). Since it cost nothing it's a good way to experiment on how the whole thing works.

Solution 3:

The new Ev3 software is available for download and supports programming NXT 2.0 bricks.

However, it, like NXT-G, only supports OSX and Windows. It can install under Playonlinux / Wine, but does not start up due to dependencies on Mono 4.3 and other dependencies.

I can understand why FLL would want to limit the use of outside software consistency's sake, but I do wish they would consider something like Enchanting if no one is able to resolve the issues with running Ev3 under wine.