virtual machine

AppWizard
August 5, 2025
Google plans to introduce a new Linux terminal app for developers that will run a complete Debian environment on Android devices, allowing users to execute Linux commands directly. This app will enable developers to build Android applications directly on their devices using the Android Virtualization Framework, which boots a Debian image on a virtual machine. However, Android Studio does not currently support ARM-based CPUs, limiting its functionality within this environment. Additionally, the current Android Canary build supports Linux GUI applications, allowing users to run apps like Chromium, GIMP, and LibreOffice on devices such as the Pixel 8 Pro. The exact release date for these features is unclear, but they are expected to be available first on Pixel devices.
TrendTechie
July 31, 2025
A novel method for downloading torrent files using Google Colab and the download utility aria2 has emerged, allowing users to mask their real IP addresses from peers in the file-sharing community. This technique involves executing scripts in Google Colaboratory to install aria2 on a virtual machine, enabling downloads from torrent files via magnet links. The user's IP address is replaced by Google's, and completed downloads are typically stored in the user's Google Drive. However, this method does not make illegal downloads lawful, as downloading copyrighted materials remains a violation of the law in many jurisdictions.
Winsage
July 26, 2025
Windows Sandbox is an optional feature available exclusively in the Pro editions of Windows 11 and above, allowing users to create a secure virtual environment for testing software without risks. It can be set up by searching for "Turn Windows features on or off" in the Start menu, checking the box for Windows Sandbox, and restarting the computer. The sandbox operates with the same version of Windows as the host and does not maintain its state, meaning changes made within it do not persist after closing. It provides a clean, isolated environment for testing applications, conserving storage space and preventing background tasks from affecting system performance. While it allows safe testing of potentially risky software, it is not a substitute for traditional virtual machines, which are necessary for testing different operating systems or making OS changes.
AppWizard
July 25, 2025
The July 2025 Android Canary build of the Linux Terminal app introduces the ability to run graphical Linux applications, allowing users to interact with a graphical interface via a new “Display” button. By typing ‘weston’, users can access a graphical environment with Weston preinstalled. Users can also enable hardware acceleration by creating an empty file named virglrenderer in the /sdcard/linux directory, which enhances performance for running demanding Linux software. The feature is currently available in the Canary build, with speculation about its rollout to Beta or Stable channels in the second quarterly release of Android 16, expected in December.
Winsage
July 21, 2025
Windows 11 is introducing updates to its taskbar in build 26120.4733, featuring a new animation that activates when users hover over open applications. This includes a “fly up” animation that displays a thumbnail reflecting the actual size of the app window, which adjusts dynamically for smaller windows. Additionally, a size-adjusting animation will activate when hovering between thumbnails of varying dimensions. Windows 11 will also introduce a "shared audio" feature, allowing users to connect and play music through multiple audio devices simultaneously via Quick Settings, compatible with Bluetooth devices supporting version 4.0 or higher. These updates are currently being tested in preview builds.
Winsage
July 20, 2025
Windows XP was launched in 2001 and is known for its user-friendly interface and improved performance. A new project allows users to experience Windows XP in their web browsers through an interactive emulation hosted on win32.run. This version replicates the original boot animation and desktop layout, includes classic games like 3D Pinball Space Cadet, Solitaire, and Minesweeper, and allows navigation of a functional file system. Users can save files, install third-party applications, and use an updated version of Microsoft Word. The emulation also features media content from the original Windows XP launch. Flash games can be played by downloading them and running them within the emulated environment.
AppWizard
July 18, 2025
Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 7 is the first non-Pixel smartphone to support Google's Linux Terminal app, which allows users to run Linux programs within a virtual machine. This feature is not available on the Galaxy Z Fold 7. The Terminal app operates on a modified version of Debian within the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF), introduced with Android 13 and categorized as an Android 16 feature for Samsung devices. The app's availability is dependent on specific technical requirements related to the chipset; the Galaxy Z Flip 7 uses the Exynos 2500, which supports the necessary non-protected virtual machine, while the Galaxy S25 and Z Fold 7 use the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which is limited to secure virtual machines. Future updates from Qualcomm may address this limitation. The Terminal app currently does not support graphical applications, but there are indications that such features may be developed in the future.
Winsage
July 16, 2025
Microsoft released the KB5062553 update for Windows, which caused boot failures in some Generation 2 Azure Virtual Machines (VMs) with Trusted Launch disabled. In response, Microsoft issued an emergency patch, KB5064489, applicable to Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025, to address these issues. Affected VMs may experience boot failures if Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) is enforced via registry key. Users are advised to check if their VMs are created as “Standard” and if VBS is enabled. The KB5064489 update is not automatically deployed and must be manually downloaded from the Microsoft Update Catalog, with specific installation methods outlined.
AppWizard
July 15, 2025
Playing Minecraft on a Mac is feasible, with two primary editions available: Java Edition and Bedrock Edition. Java Edition runs natively on macOS and supports mods, while Bedrock Edition lacks official support for Mac and requires workarounds to run. To acquire Minecraft, users can visit minecraft.net, select Java Edition, download the installer, and launch the game. Mods function similarly on Mac as they do on Windows, with popular mod managers like Forge and Fabric supporting macOS. Hosting a Minecraft server on a Mac is possible but cumbersome, leading many to rent servers instead. In Java Edition, players can join IP-based servers and share addresses with friends. Performance can vary, with modern Macs generally handling the game well, but adjustments may be needed for base models. Minecraft Bedrock does not exist natively for Mac, and the Mac App Store version is the Education Edition. Compatibility issues with mods can arise, and local servers may be blocked by the Mac firewall.
Winsage
July 15, 2025
A growing number of users are exploring alternative operating systems as support for Windows 10 concludes, with Linux being a popular choice due to its user-friendly and free modern distributions. Many users start with little experience, and dual-booting allows them to run both Windows and Linux on a single machine, enabling them to select between the two at startup. This setup requires careful installation to ensure both operating systems coexist. Users can access files on Windows partitions from within Linux. To set up dual-booting, it's advisable to test on a spare machine and back up important files. The general steps include creating a bootable ISO for the Linux distribution, inserting the USB drive, and selecting the option to install alongside the current OS. After installation, users can choose between Linux and Windows upon reboot. Caution is advised to avoid losing data on the Windows partition.
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