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Has no one seen this yet? Don't cross the streams!
Earlier today, we wrote that Microsoft was going to add some big new features to the Windows Subsystem for Linux, including native support for Docker containers. It turns out that that ain't the half of it.
Not even half.
All is changing with Windows Subsystem for Linux 2. Instead of emulating the Linux kernel APIs on the NT kernel, WSL 2 is going to run a full Linux kernel in a lightweight virtual machine. This kernel will be trimmed down and tailored to this particular use case, with stripped-down hardware support (since it will defer to the host Windows OS for that) and faster booting.
The Linux kernel is GPLed open source; the GPL license requires that any modifications made to the code must be published and made available under the GPL license. Microsoft will duly comply with this, publishing the patches and modifications it makes to the kernel. WSL 2 will also use a similar split as the current WSL does: the kernel component will be shipped with Windows while "personalities" as provided by the various Linux distributions can be installed from the Microsoft Store.
To quote Han Solo, "I've got a bad feeling about this."
(Score: 2) by DannyB on Tuesday May 07 2019, @06:10PM (2 children)
Yep.
IMO, the old ones will eventually attrition out.
Something similar happens with many tech products. You can buy a TV that's not 4K. But the time will come when that will probably end.
Most people buying Chromebooks are blissfully unaware. Those looking for those specific features know what to look for. I believe in time all new chromebooks will support those features.
This is chromebooks sneaking in more capability to compete with some low end windows laptops, for some types of users.
If a lazy person with no education can cross the border and take your job, we need to upgrade your job skills.
(Score: 2) by Pino P on Wednesday May 08 2019, @05:18PM (1 child)
There's a difference here. TVs have a conspicuous 720p, 1080p, or 4K marking on the box. I haven't seen a Chromebook box with such a marking for "Crostini" or "Linux app support". Likewise, I don't usually see a 🐧 mark for Linux compatibility on the packaging of mass market Windows laptops or PC peripherals, even if ⊞ for Windows and 🍎 for macOS are present.
Yet the in-store display of specifications at Walmart or Best Buy doesn't list these specific features, and sales associates are clueless. So among the following, which is most common?
A. Print out a list of all model numbers with Crostini support and carry that into the store
B. Make a trip to the store, write down all Chromebook model numbers on display, take that list home to cross off those without Crostini support, and make a second trip for the purchase
C. Purchase a second mobile Internet device and cellular Internet service for that device with which to look up each model's Crostini support status in-store
D. Buy online, wait a week for Super Saver Shipping, and if you end up not liking its screen or keyboard, too bad
(Score: 2) by DannyB on Wednesday May 08 2019, @08:02PM
On the recent Pinebook post to SN, I posted a link that says, all new Chromebooks launched this year will support Linux. Which I presume would also mean supports Android, since Android support seems to be a lower bar than the Crostini support.
If a lazy person with no education can cross the border and take your job, we need to upgrade your job skills.