-Update--
Well for those who are interested !!!!!
FreeBASIC plays real well on most linux distros. Currently tested, installed, and compiling on Linux
Mint 64 bit version. All seems to be working well. I can now run my old programs, write new ones
and compile away while working on a modern platform.
FreeBasic is not in Mint's or any other Linux distros packages that i know of, But can be downloaded
from their site or sites/installed according to their download directions.
Geany (programmers editor) has an option for FreeBASIC code that implements a nice IDE
which can directly compile and execute my FreeBASIC Programs from within the editor....................