It uses an online database of scripts to apply to different applications that need special configuration; if the game is not in the database, a manual installation can be performed. Aside from games, any other program can be installed and each one is put in a different container (WINEPREFIX) to prevent interference of one program with another. This provides isolation in much the same way that CrossOver's bottles work. PlayOnLinux allows users to install some of the most popular Windows applications, such as Apple iTunes, Safari, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 and 7, AutoCAD, .NET Framework 2.0, Fireworks MX, Flash MX, and many others.
Applications are installed and remain separate from each other. They may use different versions and configurations of Wine as appropriate. The installation of these is managed by the PlayOnLinux software itself without the requirement to install Wine separately.
The program also allows the user to create virtual partitions, in which specific programs can be installed with different Wine versions and programs, similar to a multi-boot computer.
PlayOnLinux is developed using a combination of Bash and Python and wxPython.
