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Android apps can now check security patches down to individual device components
AppWizard
September 18, 2026

Android apps can now check security patches down to individual device components

The new AndroidX Security State libraries, with stable releases of Security State v1.1.0 and Security State Provider v1.0.0, allow developers to evaluate the security status of individual device components. They provide three levels of security patch information: Device Security Patch Level (DSPL), Published Security Patch Level (PSPL), and Available Security Patch Level (ASPL). These libraries enable checks on critical components of the Android operating system, including system modules and the Linux kernel, which are represented by version numbers rather than monthly patch dates. Applications that prioritize security can utilize this detailed patch information to assess vulnerabilities, particularly those tracked as Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs). The libraries also integrate with the Open Source Vulnerabilities (OSV) database for access to Android Security Bulletin data and device-specific vulnerability reports. Additionally, Android 17 allows manufacturers to declare individual security fixes beyond the stated security patch level, and Google is working with manufacturers to transition their OTA update clients to this new standardized system.
I've Been Gaming On Linux For Five Years - Is It Ready To Replace Windows?
AppWizard
September 6, 2026

I’ve Been Gaming On Linux For Five Years – Is It Ready To Replace Windows?

Steam Deck debuted in early 2022 with SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system that uses the Wine-based Proton compatibility layer to run Windows games. This development has significantly advanced Linux gaming, with approximately 95% of games functioning well on Linux. Steam's Verified program lists nearly 9,000 Verified games, and around 30,000 playable titles, with only about 1% of popular games failing to run entirely. Anti-cheat systems remain a major limitation, preventing popular titles like "Fortnite" and "League of Legends" from being playable on Linux. Game streaming services like NVIDIA GeForce NOW offer alternatives for playing anti-cheat games on Linux. Linux distributions provide better controller support compared to Windows, particularly for handhelds and living room PCs. Accessing non-Steam games can be cumbersome, though tools like Heroic Launcher help. Compatibility issues with proprietary standards, such as HDMI 2.1 support, persist in Linux gaming.
Windows 10 is still getting Windows 11 features, but it's only for developers
Winsage
July 10, 2026

Windows 10 is still getting Windows 11 features, but it’s only for developers

Microsoft has confirmed that WSL Containers, which allows users to create and manage Linux containers directly from Windows, is now available on Windows 10. Users must have Windows 10 version 2004 (Build 19041) or later to utilize WSL Containers. The installation process involves checking the Windows build, installing WSL, updating to the container build, confirming the version, and running a test command. WSL Containers support GPU passthrough, enabling CUDA capabilities directly from Windows 10. A text-based UI dashboard for managing WSL Containers, named lazywslc, has also been introduced.
Microsoft's new Azure Linux 4.0 is here, and it could replace Windows Server in the enterprise
Winsage
July 2, 2026

Microsoft’s new Azure Linux 4.0 is here, and it could replace Windows Server in the enterprise

Microsoft has released Azure Linux 4.0, transitioning it from an internal tool to a server operating system that users can install on their own servers and virtual machines. Azure Linux 4.0 is built on Fedora Linux, allowing the use of RPMs and ensuring compatibility with Azure's cloud platform. The beta version features a hardened Linux kernel 6.18, optimized for performance on Hyper-V and Azure virtual machines, and incorporates SELinux-based security measures without a graphical user interface. In the Azure Marketplace, it is marketed as a "Microsoft-built Linux distribution for Azure," with formal support available for deployments on Azure but not for standalone hardware. The Azure Linux GitHub repository provides transparency into the distribution, encouraging community engagement while Microsoft retains control over the base image's contents. Azure Linux is positioned as a free, Azure-optimized server operating system for hybrid environments, potentially signaling a shift away from Windows Server.
Microsoft denies WSL 3 exists, reveals Windows 11's WSL Containers ship next week
Winsage
June 28, 2026

Microsoft denies WSL 3 exists, reveals Windows 11’s WSL Containers ship next week

Microsoft has clarified that there is no WSL 3 in development, as stated by Craig Loewen, the Product Manager for the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). The confusion arose from articles discussing a new feature called WSL Containers, which will be launched soon. WSL allows users to run Linux environments on Windows without dual-booting, while WSL Containers enable the creation and management of Linux containers directly within Windows, eliminating the need for third-party tools like Docker Desktop. WSL 1, introduced in 2016, served as a translation layer for Linux system calls, and WSL 2, launched in 2019, included a full Linux kernel in a lightweight virtual machine. WSL Containers is an enhancement to WSL, allowing developers to build, run, and deploy containers directly from Windows using the wslc.exe command. This feature is part of Microsoft's strategy to make Windows a more accessible platform for running Linux workloads, helping to retain developers who might consider switching to other operating systems.
A Brief History Of Unix Commands On Windows: CoreUtils (Again)
Winsage
June 16, 2026

A Brief History Of Unix Commands On Windows: CoreUtils (Again)

The interaction between Unix/Linux and Windows has historically been marked by significant differences in their architectures and philosophies. Unix uses a fork() function for process management, while Windows employs CreateProcess(), complicating the implementation of Unix-like tools on Windows. Early solutions to bridge this gap included the MKS Toolkit, which provided Unix-like commands for Windows, and UWIN from AT&T Bell Labs, which aimed to create a Unix interface layer on Windows. Cygwin offered a compatibility DLL to run Unix software on Windows, but required rebuilding from source. Microsoft's initiatives included POSIX, Interix, and later Services for UNIX. The introduction of the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) allowed users to run a Linux userland directly on Windows, with WSL 2 incorporating a real Linux kernel. Recently, Microsoft released Coreutils for Windows, providing native builds of Unix-style tools to enhance cross-platform consistency.
Linux desktops finally learned restraint, and that's the upgrade Windows still hasn't made
Winsage
June 1, 2026

Linux desktops finally learned restraint, and that’s the upgrade Windows still hasn’t made

The Linux kernel maintainers have decided to phase out support for outdated hardware, including processors over three decades old, to keep the system agile and relevant. The Ubuntu team plans to introduce AI tools with a focus on open-source and user experience, allowing users to opt-out. Linux distributions typically adopt a respectful approach to monetization, often allowing users to use the system without financial obligation, contrasting with aggressive marketing tactics from companies like Microsoft. Linux's measured approach to innovation fosters a sense of community and reliability among users.
For May, Patch Tuesday means 139 updates
Winsage
May 15, 2026

For May, Patch Tuesday means 139 updates

Microsoft has released an extensive update for Azure Linux 3.0 and CBL Mariner 2.0, addressing 191 open-source Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) across various technologies, including the Linux kernel, Go runtime, Apache httpd, PHP, CoreDNS, Valkey, Ruby, GnuTLS, Apache Thrift, Node.js, Rust, Java implementations, Vim, Postfix, Expat, Nmap, Prometheus, KEDA, and PgBouncer. Additionally, Microsoft has fixed a critical vulnerability (CVE-2026-41103) in its Single Sign-On (SSO) Plugin for Jira and Confluence, which allows an attacker to forge a Microsoft Entra ID identity through a manipulated SAML response; however, patching this vulnerability is the responsibility of the users of Atlassian's platforms.
Linux and Windows 95 running side by side? This dev made it happen.
Winsage
April 25, 2026

Linux and Windows 95 running side by side? This dev made it happen.

Open-source developer "Hailey" has introduced the Windows 9x Subsystem for Linux (WSL9X), which allows users to run both Windows and Linux applications simultaneously on classic versions of Windows, including Windows 95, 98, and Me. WSL9X operates by running a modern Linux kernel (6.19) alongside the Windows 9x kernel, enabling features such as paging, memory protection, and pre-emptive scheduling. It is neither emulation nor virtualization and does not require hardware virtualization. WSL9X is available for download, but users must build it from the source provided by Hailey. It allows access to a genuine Linux terminal alongside classic Windows applications, enabling various tasks without compromising system stability.
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