Foundations / Installation Overview: Preliminary WSL2 Introduction

foundations/html_css/html-foundations/links-and-images.md

@@ -172,12 +172,36 @@ For example, using an absolute path we can display an image located on The Odin
 
 To use images that we have on our own websites, we can use a relative path.
 
+<details markdown="block">
+<summary class="dropDown-header">Linux, macOS, ChromeOS
+</summary>
+
 1.  Create a new directory named `images` within the `odin-links-and-images` project.
 
 2.  Next, download [this image](https://unsplash.com/photos/Mv9hjnEUHR4/download?force=true&w=640) and move it into the images directory we just created.
 
 3.  Rename the image to `dog.jpg`.
 
+</details>
+
+<details markdown="block">
+<summary class="dropDown-header">WSL
+</summary>
+
+When you download a file from the internet, Windows has a security feature that creates a hidden `Zone.Identifier` file with the same name as your downloaded file and it looks like `mypicture.jpg:Zone.Identifier` This file is harmless, but we'd like to avoid copying it over and cluttering up our directories.
+
+1.  Create a new directory named `images` within the `odin-links-and-images` project.
+
+2.  Next, download [this image](https://unsplash.com/photos/Mv9hjnEUHR4/download?force=true&w=640).
+
+3.  Right click on the new download at the bottom of the chrome window and select "Show in folder".
+
+4.  Drag the file from your downloads folder to VSCode's file browser into your new `images` directory.
+
+Dragging files from Windows into the VSCode file browser prevents the `Zone.Identifier` files from being copied over. From now on, any time you need to copy pictures or other downloaded files like this into WSL, you can do it in this way. If you ever accidentally copy these `Zone.Identifier` files into WSL, you can safely delete them without any issue.
+
+</details>
+
 Finally add the image to the `index.html` file:
 
 ~~~html

foundations/installations/command_line_basics.md

@@ -40,15 +40,16 @@ This section contains a general overview of topics that you will learn in this l
 <div class="lesson-content__panel" markdown="1">
 
 **Note**: Many of these resources assume you're using a Mac or Linux environment. If you did our previous installation lesson, you should already have Linux installed in dual-boot or a virtual machine. Or, you might be using MacOS. If you don't have MacOS, or any version of Linux installed, please return to the [operating system installation guide](https://www.theodinproject.com/paths/foundations/courses/foundations/lessons/prerequisites).
+**Note for WSL users**: You will have to use the `wget` command along with the link given in the `Download files` section in order to have the zip file in your WSL installation (`wget https://swcarpentry.github.io/shell-novice/data/shell-lesson-data.zip`). You will also have to install unzip by using the command `sudo apt install unzip` and then `unzip shell-lesson-data.zip` to unzip the file. Keep in mind that throughout the course below, your terminal output may look slightly different to what is shown in the lessons. Anytime the course asks you to go to the Desktop, you will instead be going to the home directory which can be done by using the cd command (`cd ~`).
 
 1. Visit [The Unix Shell](https://swcarpentry.github.io/shell-novice/) course designed by the Software Carpentry Foundation. There you will find a full complement of lessons on using the CLI, but for now just focus on completing the following lessons:
-    
+
     * Setup (Follow instructions in `Download files` section only, this is all you need as you have the required software already)
     * Introducing the Shell
     * Navigating Files and Directories
     * Working With Files and Directories
     * Pipes and Filters
-    
+
 2. With your newly discovered CLI super powers, practice creating a folder and a few files using the `mkdir`, `touch`, and `cd` commands introduced in the previous step. As an example, a basic website might have a main `index.html` file, a CSS stylesheet file called `style.css`, and a folder for `images`. Think about how you could create these files with the commands and put it into practice!
 
 3. Let's practice creating files and directories and deleting them! You'll need to enter the commands for the steps below in your terminal. If you can't recall how to open a terminal, scroll up for a reminder.
@@ -88,6 +89,8 @@ Third, there's a really handy shortcut for opening everything within a project d
 
 - **macOS**: Some setup is required. After installing VSCode, launch it any way you're comfortable with. Once it's running, open the Command Palette with <kbd>Cmd</kbd> + <kbd>Shift</kbd> + <kbd>P</kbd>. In the little dialog that appears, type `shell command`. One of the choices that appears will be `Shell Command: Install 'code' command in PATH`. Select that option, and restart the terminal if you have it open.
 
+- **WSL**: Opening up VSCode from the command line in WSL is just as easy as it is in Linux. Just enter `code` which will open VSCode in WSL.
+
 ### Knowledge check
 
 This section contains questions for you to check your understanding of this lesson on your own. If you’re having trouble answering a question, click it and review the material it links to.

foundations/installations/installation_overview.md

@@ -2,20 +2,20 @@
 
 The first step for building any website is having the right tools. For us, that means setting up a development environment for writing good code.
 
-Many online development courses use in-browser code editors or "sandboxes," which give you the tools and programs needed to accomplish the task at hand and nothing else. You'll use some of these sandboxes throughout the early stages of The Odin Project since they're great for getting started quickly. However, the best way to set yourself up for long-term success is to operate in a real development environment. 
+Many online development courses use in-browser code editors or "sandboxes," which give you the tools and programs needed to accomplish the task at hand and nothing else. You'll use some of these sandboxes throughout the early stages of The Odin Project since they're great for getting started quickly. However, the best way to set yourself up for long-term success is to operate in a real development environment.
 
 We won't lie to you: installing packages, editors, and even entire operating systems can be very frustrating. However, having the experience of setting up a development environment to run the code you'll write is an invaluable, real-world skill you'll carry with you for the rest of your career.
 
 ### The installation plan
 
-In the following sections, we'll go over the steps for setting up your environment. There is no need to install anything in this lesson, this is an informative lesson. These sections are **the most important steps** in the entire curriculum. Please take the extra time to **double check what you're typing** or you may cause more headaches for yourself down the road. 
+In the following sections, we'll go over the steps for setting up your environment. There is no need to install anything in this lesson, this is an informative lesson. These sections are **the most important steps** in the entire curriculum. Please take the extra time to **double check what you're typing** or you may cause more headaches for yourself down the road.
 
 In the next few lessons, we will walk through these installation steps together:
 
 * Installing a supported [operating system](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operating_system) (OS).
 * Installing Google Chrome web browser.
 * Installing a code editor.
-* Creating an SSH key (a personal "password" that will identify you to GitHub, Heroku, and many other sites you'll be using).
+* Creating an SSH key (a personal "access key" that will identify you to GitHub, Heroku, and many other sites you'll be using).
 
 At the end of the next lesson, you'll be up and running with many of the tools you need to write and run code! It may seem like a lot of steps, but we'll get through it as painlessly as possible together! If anything goes wrong, remember to use these steps:
 
@@ -37,16 +37,22 @@ If you're using a Mac, you're in great shape. The Odin Project instructions assu
 
 #### Windows
 
-Windows **is not natively supported** by The Odin Project, or on our Discord server; however, if you're currently using Windows you can use either a virtual machine or dual boot to keep your Windows install while creating your development environment in Linux.
+Windows, by itself, **is not natively supported** by The Odin Project, or on our Discord server. Because many of the tools you'll be using were written with a Linux environment in mind, you'll need to have to one even if you plan to use Windows as your development OS. If you are currently using Windows you can use one of the following options to create your development environment:
+
+* A VirtualBox Virtual Machine
+* Dual-boot Ubuntu installation
+* Windows Subsystem for Linux
 
 A **virtual machine** is an emulation of a computer that runs within your existing OS. It allows you to use another operating system inside of a program on your current operating system (e.g. Running Linux inside of Windows). Virtual machines are as simple to install as any other program and are risk free. If you don't like Linux, you can easily remove the virtual machine. Virtual machines are a great way for new developers to get started quickly.
 
- - [Watch this video](https://youtu.be/yIVXjl4SwVo) on Virtual Machines to achieve an overview of how they work. 
+ - [Watch this video](https://youtu.be/yIVXjl4SwVo) on Virtual Machines to achieve an overview of how they work.
 
 **Dual-booting** means installing two operating systems on your computer, which can give you the option to boot either Linux or Windows when your computer first starts up. The advantage of dual-booting over a virtual machine is that the OS can use all of your computer's resources, resulting in much faster operation. There is some risk to installing a dual-boot system because you're changing your hard drive partitions, but you'll be okay as long as you take your time and read the instructions.
 
 Dual-booting can be as easy as inserting a flash drive and clicking a few buttons. The benefits of dual-booting cannot be overstated. You will allow Linux to access the full capabilities of your hardware, have a clean and distraction-free environment for coding, and learn the platform used by many senior developers and servers around the world.
 
+**Windows Subsystem for Linux** (usually abbreviated as WSL) lets you run a full-fledged Linux environment from within an existing Windows installation, giving you all of the advantages of Linux without needing to run a virtual machine or dual boot. We'll be using version 2 of WSL, commonly known as WSL2, within the curriculum.
+
 ### Concerned about installing a new OS?
 
 "Woah, woah, woah! I like my OS just fine the way it is!"
@@ -55,19 +61,15 @@ If you don't have an Apple computer, you are likely using Windows. Don't worry!
 
 Modifying or dual booting a computer to work with the tools you'll need will make it much easier to start programming, can help create a distraction-free environment, and will look good on your resume. Take a deep breath, and let's look at your options.
 
-Still not convinced? Here are a few great reasons to install Linux: 
+Still not convinced? Here are a few great reasons to install Linux:
 
 - **Tested** - We've tested our directions with macOS, Ubuntu, and official Ubuntu flavors. We did the research so that you can get tools installed with as few issues as possible, getting you to coding sooner. Time spent wrestling with your operating system is time taken from learning how to code.
 - **Community Support** - Using the tools we recommend makes it easier for us to help when you run into trouble.
 - **Development Tools Are Built for Linux** - Ruby (on Rails) and Node.js, popular backend technologies covered by The Odin Project and widely used in the larger web development community, are open source projects that explicitly *expect* to run on an open-source (UNIX-based) platform like Linux.
 - **Work Like The Pros** - Many developers use a Unix-based operating system.
 - **Performance** - You are worried about installing Linux because your machine is slow/older and has limited space? When performance is a priority, Linux is a great choice. It uses fewer system resources than Windows and will occupy less hard drive space.
 
-Many learners come to our Discord channel to ask if the directions on this page need to be followed. The moderators of our Discord server wrote everything you just read about the installation plan. Those supporting learners on our Discord server agree with the guidance on this page and will make the same recommendations you have read here.
-
-Before we can continue, we must first stress one detail of importance:
-
-**We can only support what is provided within the scope of our curriculum. We do not support native Windows or any version of Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) as a development environment.** Using Windows and WSL has been discussed many times and it is not feasible to do so at this time. Please do not ask us to support Windows, and please **do not bring it up in the Discord**. We are constantly evaluating our curriculum to keep content as fresh and accessible as possible, and Windows/WSL [has not proven to be a path of low resistance.](https://github.com/microsoft/WSL/issues)
+Many learners come to our Discord channel to ask if the directions on this page need to be followed. The maintainers of our Discord server wrote everything you just read about the installation plan. Those supporting learners on our Discord server agree with the guidance on this page and will make the same recommendations you have read here.
 
 With that out of the way, we need to set up an appropriate development environment!