Would you believe that Microsoft has introduced a new Linux distribution service for its Azure cloud platform? You should.
For many years, the leading operating system on Azure has actually been Linux, not Windows Server. The last time I checked, in 2024, Jack Aboutboul, the Program Manager for the Azure Linux Platforms Group, mentioned to me that 60% of Azure Marketplace offerings and over 60% of virtual machine cores run on Linux. These statistics suggest that it makes sense for Microsoft to simplify the process for Linux distributors to launch top-tier Linux distributions on Azure.
According to Andrew Randall, principal manager of the Azure Core Linux product management team, the tech giant is taking this step by offering “Azure Image Testing for Linux (AITL) … as a service” for distribution publishers.
ATIL is founded on Microsoft’s Linux Integration Services Automation project (LISA). This initiative was initially created by Microsoft’s Linux Systems Group to validate Linux operating system images. LISA is a quality validation system for Linux comprising two components: a testing framework that guides test execution and a collection of test suites that assess the quality of Linux distributions.
LISA has now been open-sourced under the MIT License. This system allows for ongoing testing of Linux images across a variety of scenarios, from kernel updates to complex cloud-native applications.
Specifically, Krum Kashan, Azure Linux Platforms Group program manager, stated:
While many testing tools exist to validate Linux kernels, guest OS images, and user space packages across different cloud platforms, finding a comprehensive testing framework that addresses the entire platform stack is still a major challenge. A solid framework that integrates smoothly with Azure’s environment while providing support for essential testing tools like LTP and kselftest and covering critical areas such as networking, storage, and specialized workloads—like Confidential VMs, HPC, and GPU scenarios—is vital. This integrated testing framework is crucial for developers, Linux distribution providers, and customers who build customized kernels and images.
This initiative is part of Microsoft’s growing commitment to Linux, which Randall has helped push forward. Prior to joining Microsoft, he served as the chief commercial officer for Kinvolk, a Berlin-based startup focused on cloud-native Linux technologies. Following Microsoft’s acquisition of Kinvolk, he and his team have led cross-organizational efforts to position Azure as the leading cloud for Linux workloads by incorporating open-source projects and collaborating closely with the broader Linux community.
Steve Ballmer must be feeling quite a bit of turbulence, more than his Clippers NBA team’s basketballs. However, today’s Microsoft is significantly different from the era when Ballmer declared, “Linux is a cancer.”
In particular, the ATIL service is aimed at simplifying the deployment, testing, and management of Linux images on Azure. This service leverages the company’s internal expertise and open-source tools to provide:
- Curated, Azure-optimized, and security-enhanced Linux images
- Automated quality assurance and compliance testing for Linux distributions
- Smooth integration with Azure’s cloud-native services and Kubernetes environments
- Microsoft’s initiative represents a natural evolution in its Azure cloud strategy. The company endorses Linux and actively contributes to its ecosystem, merging open-source tools and partnering with industry figures to help shape the future of cloud-native computing.
As Randall stated, “It’s a thrilling new phase at Microsoft … transitioning Microsoft Azure from merely enabling Linux + Kubernetes + open source for its users to fully adopting this approach for its own next-gen cloud services.”
With the impending end of life for Windows 10 and the hardware requirements associated with Windows 11, a lot of users are looking for alternatives. Among the most sought-after alternatives to Windows is Linux. However, what options do Windows users have for running Windows applications on the open-source system?
Wine is a compatibility layer that allows users to run Windows applications on Linux. Given the abundance of applications for Windows lacking a native Linux version, it became essential to develop a means for running them on the open-source operating system.
When you combine the extensive range of native applications available for installation on Linux with the integrated app stores, universal package managers like Snap and Flatpak, AppImages, and Wine, the total software offerings for Linux are enormous.
Unfortunately, not every Windows application will function via Wine. If you’re interested in knowing which applications are compatible, here’s a searchable database that catalogs them, covering everything from games to productivity tools.
The positive aspect is that the Wine development team remains quite active. The most recent version of the software introduced improvements such as enhanced API compatibility; resolved bugs related to DirectX for better game stability; advancements in graphics rendering and more precise high-DPI support (including automatic scaling of non-DPI-aware windows); inclusion of ARM support, new debugging tools, a desktop control applet, and an applet to toggle advanced joystick settings; addition of the X11 backend with multi-touch capabilities; and much more.
Wine (initially an acronym for “Wine Is Not an Emulator”) is a compatibility layer that enables Windows applications to run on numerous POSIX-compliant operating systems, including Linux, macOS, and BSD. Rather than emulating the internal logic of Windows like a virtual machine or emulator, Wine translates Windows API calls into POSIX calls in real time, removing the performance and memory drawbacks associated with other methods and allowing seamless integration of Windows applications into your desktop.
Here are several reasons why Linux outperforms Windows:
Open source:
Linux is open source, meaning its source code is publicly accessible for anyone to modify and distribute. This makes Linux more secure, stable, and dependable than Windows. I experienced this firsthand when I set up Parrot OS on my laptop – the installation was swift and straightforward, and the performance was swift and responsive.
Customization:
Linux offers extensive customization options, giving users complete authority over their operating system. Users can select from various graphical user interfaces, desktop environments, and software packages to configure their system to meet their unique requirements. I enjoy how I can adjust every element of my Parrot OS installation to align with my preferences, from the desktop environment to the software applications I choose to install.
Stability:
Linux is recognized for its reliability and stability. Unlike Windows, which necessitates frequent updates and reboots, Linux can operate for extended periods, even years, without any problems. I’ve been using Parrot on my older laptop hardware for several months now, and it has been functioning smoothly with no crashes or performance issues.
Security:
Linux is fundamentally more secure than Windows, owing to its integrated security features and the fact that it is less frequently targeted by hackers and malware. I feel much safer using Linux compared to when I was on Windows, especially regarding the protection of my online privacy and avoiding malware threats.
Cost:
Linux is available for free download and use, which can lead to significant savings for both businesses and individuals compared to purchasing Windows licenses. This was a major factor for me when I initially transitioned to Linux, as I didn’t want to spend a fortune on a new operating system. With Parrot, I acquired a powerful and dependable operating system at no cost.
Performance:
Linux is well-known for its superior performance and speed compared to Windows. Its lightweight architecture allows it to function smoothly on older hardware, making it an excellent choice for individuals or businesses looking to extend the lifespan of their computers. I’ve noticed a considerable boost in performance since switching to Linux, even on my older laptop.
Privacy:
Linux is designed with user privacy in mind. In contrast to Windows, it does not gather data on its users and lacks any built-in advertising or tracking features. This can provide users with peace of mind, knowing their information is not being sold or used for targeted promotions. I value my online privacy and appreciate how Linux refrains from collecting or selling my data.
Community support:
Linux boasts a vast and dedicated community of developers and users who are always ready to offer assistance, answer inquiries, and help resolve issues. This community support can be an invaluable resource for individuals and businesses seeking to maximize their Linux experience. Whenever I have a question regarding Parrot OS, I can usually find an answer within a few hours in the Telegram Parrot community.
To sum up, Linux presents a variety of advantages over Windows, including open-source development, customization, stability, security, cost-effectiveness, performance, software availability, privacy, and community support. If you’re fed up with the ongoing problems that come with using Windows, consider switching to Linux and see the difference for yourself.
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