SQLite – a free relational cross-platform database

SQLite is a free relational, transactional, and cross-platform database for light duty local use and is one of the most widely used databases worldwide.  A database, including tables and other objects, are contained within a single file.  It is not intended to replace client/server enterprise databases.  Its small footprint makes it ideal for IoT (Internet of Things) device development.

Available tools include SQLite Command Line Shell that can be used to administer the resulting databases.

Microsoft.Data.Sqlite is a lightweight ADO.NET data provider for SQLite.

Use VLC Media Player to play DVDs on Windows 10 PCs

Microsoft has removed the ability to play DVDs from Windows Media Player as part of the Windows 10 Feature Deprecation.  Instead, Microsoft has made a separate Windows Store App for Windows DVD Player, available for purchase at the current price of $14.99.  This app does not currently play Blu-ray discs.

A free alternative DVD player is VLC Media Player, which is available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. It is an open source product developed by VideoLAN, a non-profit organization made up of volunteers.  

Windows Subsystem For Linux (WSL)

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is an optional Windows feature that allows you to run in order to run Bash shell scripts and Linux command-line applications without using a virtual machine.  WSL is designed as a development tool and not as a Linux production tool.  It is installed under Control Panel -> Programs and Features -> Turn Windows features on or off – > Windows Subsystem for Linux.

Further documentation can be found at learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/about and the Windows Command Line Tools Blog.

Update: WSL 2 is the latest major version change.  WSLg (Windows Subsystem for Linux GUI) allows users to run Linux GUI applications (X11 and Wayland) on Windows.