Linux Support from Microsoft

Microsoft supplies code and other support for Linux as an application and software development OS. The Linux family of OSs (called distributions) from various vendors and volunteer projects are based on a Unix-like kernel maintained by an open source project. Linux is often used in data centers, especially for Web applications and services. Architects can deploy Linux selectively in Microsoft-based systems to reduce licensing costs and take advantage of existing skills, tools, and applications. However, Microsoft does not support Linux in some roles, which can complicate system design and maintenance and require turning to third parties.

This report summarizes the software, hosted services, and other support that Microsoft delivers for Linux. It focuses on general-purpose Linux distributions. In particular, it excludes Google Android, which uses a Linux kernel but delivers substantially different interfaces. It also excludes Apple’s macOS, a heavily customized OS based on a different open source kernel, FreeBSD. Further information can be found in the included list of resources.