# Cedega

> compatibility layer for running Windows software on Linux

**Wikidata**: [Q1052589](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1052589)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cedega_(software))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cedega

## Summary
Cedega is a proprietary compatibility layer that enables running Windows software on Linux operating systems.

## Key Facts
- Cedega is a proprietary compatibility layer for running Windows software on Linux.
- It is based on Wine and also known as WineX.
- It was developed by Findev.
- It has a proprietary license.
- The stable version is 7.3.2 (released August 20, 2009).
- The earlier version 4.0 was released on June 22, 2004.
- It runs on Linux operating systems.
- It has a copyrighted status.
- It has 17 Wikipedia sitelink references.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Cedega?
A: Cedega is a proprietary compatibility layer that allows running Windows software on Linux operating systems.

### Q: Is Cedega free to use?
A: No, Cedega is proprietary software with a license restricting use, study, or redistribution.

### Q: What is the difference between Cedega and Wine?
A: Cedega is based on Wine but is a proprietary version with its own license and development by Findev.

### Q: Is Cedega still maintained?
A: The source material indicates it has versions up to 7.3.2 (stable) from 2009, but doesn't specify current maintenance status.

## Why It Matters
Cedega played an important role in the history of Linux compatibility with Windows applications. As a proprietary compatibility layer, it allowed users to run Windows software on Linux systems without needing to use the open-source Wine project directly. This was particularly valuable for users who wanted a more polished or commercially supported solution for running Windows applications on Linux. The development of Cedega demonstrated that proprietary alternatives could exist alongside open-source solutions in the Linux ecosystem, providing users with additional options for software compatibility.

## Notable For
- It was one of the first commercial solutions for running Windows applications on Linux.
- It was based on the open-source Wine project but offered proprietary licensing and development.
- It provided a polished alternative to the open-source Wine compatibility layer.
- It was developed by Findev and marketed as a commercial solution.
- It was known as WineX in some contexts.

## Body
### Technical Overview
Cedega is a compatibility layer designed to enable the execution of Windows applications on Linux operating systems. It functions by translating Windows API calls into equivalent Linux system calls, allowing Windows software to run on Linux hardware without requiring recompilation or modification of the original application.

### Development and Licensing
Cedega was developed by Findev and operates under a proprietary license. This license restricts the use, study, and redistribution of the software, distinguishing it from the open-source Wine project upon which it is based. The proprietary nature of Cedega meant it was sold commercially rather than freely distributed.

### Versions and Release History
The software has had multiple versions, with the stable version being 7.3.2, released on August 20, 2009. An earlier version, 4.0, was released on June 22, 2004. These versions represent different stages of development and feature improvements.

### Relationship to Wine
Cedega is based on the Wine compatibility layer, which itself is an open-source project. The relationship between Cedega and Wine is complex - Cedega uses Wine's underlying technology but adds proprietary features, licensing, and development.

### Market Position
As a proprietary solution, Cedega positioned itself as a commercial alternative to the open-source Wine project. This allowed users who preferred commercial software or needed additional support to run Windows applications on Linux systems.</think>

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013