Unleash the Power of Linux on Windows: Your Guide to WSL

Are you a Windows user intrigued by the possibilities of Linux? Look no further than Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)! This handy feature seamlessly integrates a Linux environment right into your Windows machine, allowing you to run Linux applications and tools alongside your native Windows programs.

What is WSL?

Think of WSL as a lightweight virtual machine housed within Windows. It doesn’t emulate the entire Linux operating system, but rather provides a compatible environment where you can install and run various Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Debian, Kali Linux, and more. Imagine having access to the rich ecosystem of Linux tools and command-line utilities without completely abandoning your familiar Windows environment.

What can you do with WSL?

The possibilities are vast! Here are just a few examples:

• Develop software: Utilize powerful Linux development tools like Git, Python, and Node.js for your coding projects.
• Web development: Leverage Linux-based tools like Apache, Nginx, and PHP for web development and testing.
• System administration: Manage Linux servers directly from your Windows machine using familiar SSH commands.
• Explore data science: Analyze data using Python libraries like NumPy and Pandas in a Linux environment.
• Learn Linux: Get hands-on experience with Linux commands and utilities, expanding your technical skillset.

What are the requirements?

To run WSL, you’ll need:

• Windows 10, version 1903 or later (with updates) or Windows 11
• Virtualization enabled in your BIOS settings

Getting Started:

1. One-Click Install: Open PowerShell or Command Prompt as administrator and type wsl --install. Boom! WSL is ready to go, with Ubuntu as your default distro. Restart your machine to finish the setup.
2. Pick Your Favorite: Want a different distro? No problem! Use wsl --install -d <Distribution Name> (e.g., wsl --install -d Debian). Browse available distros with wsl --list --online.
3. Multiple Distros, No Problem: Install as many distros as you like! Use Windows Terminal for seamless switching between them.
4. Windows Explorer Integration: Access your Linux files directly from Windows Explorer in the /mnt/c directory.
5. Reference: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/install

Beyond the Basics:

• Upgrade to WSL 2: Newer features and better performance? Use wsl --set-version <distro name> 2 to upgrade your distro.

1. Connect to Your WSL Environment:

Open the start menu and search for your chosen distribution (e.g., Ubuntu). Launch it to connect to your Linux environment.

2. Install OpenSSH Server:

This allows secure remote access to your WSL environment from other devices. In your terminal, run:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install openssh-server

Enable and start the service:

sudo systemctl enable ssh
sudo systemctl start ssh

3. Secure Your SSH Server:

Change the default SSH port (22) for added security:

sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config

Find “Port 22” and change it to a different unused port (e.g., 12345). Save and close the file.

sudo systemctl restart ssh

4. Install Apache Web Server:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install apache2

Start the Apache service:

sudo systemctl start apache2

Check if it’s running by opening http://localhost in your web browser. You should see the default Apache test page.

5. Install PHP:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install php libapache2-mod-php

Restart Apache to apply the changes:

sudo systemctl restart apache2

Test your PHP setup by creating a file named info.php in your web server’s document root (usually /var/www/html) with the following content:

PHP

<?php
phpinfo();
?>

Use code with caution.content_copy

Open http://localhost/info.php in your browser. You should see a detailed PHP information page.

6. Install MySQL Database:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install mysql-server

Secure your MySQL installation by running the mysql_secure_installation script and following the prompts.

7. Install phpMyAdmin for Database Management:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install phpmyadmin

This will configure phpMyAdmin at http://localhost/phpmyadmin. Access it using your MySQL root credentials set during installation.

8. Access Your LAMP Stack Remotely:

From another device on your network, use an SSH client and your chosen port (e.g., 12345) to connect to your WSL environment:

ssh username@your_wsl_ip_address -p 12345

Once connected, you can manage your Apache, PHP, and MySQL configurations and files within your WSL environment.

Additional tips:

• You can install multiple Linux distributions and easily switch between them.
• Access your Windows files from your Linux environment using the /mnt/c directory.
• Utilize graphical Linux applications with WSLg, a graphical extension for WSL.
• Remember, you’re running a Linux environment within Windows, so keep basic Linux syntax and commands in mind.

Embrace the potential:

WSL opens doors to a world of possibilities for Windows users. Whether you’re a developer, data scientist, or simply curious about Linux, WSL allows you to harness the power of both worlds, significantly enhancing your computing experience. So, dive in, explore, and unleash the potential of WSL!