Generic Ubuntu link

[doctorjei]

Would be great if there were a generic Ubuntu link too (for the unversioned "Ubuntu" that always points to latest). There are some tools that only work out-of-the-box with the unversioned install (like IntelliJ' WSL integration).

Edit to add Suggested link: https://aka.ms/wslubuntu

The reason for this request is that the "versioned" link / appx doesn't work with all tools, some of which depend on the generic appx.

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Document Details

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• ID: 7194d104-51d3-f53e-cb6c-2242affb7a22
• Version Independent ID: 3fd655c2-9bb3-67d7-c369-545f38f805d8
• Content: Manually download Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Distros
• Content Source: WSL/install-manual.md
• Product: dev-environment
• Technology: windows-subsystem-for-linux
• GitHub Login: @craigloewen-msft
• Microsoft Alias: crloewen

[WSLUser]

Rename or alias the executible.

[doctorjei]

First, I want to say that I appreciate any attention to this and all of the work the WSL team has put into these wonderful tools.

Of course users can rename these things, but it's a brittle solution, and it seems unnecessary when a link could be added to the unversioned Ubuntu installation.

Here's an example: I teach an OS class and a Python class (college level). I need students to be able to use WSL with IntelliJ and other tools that only "look for" the unversioned Ubuntu. I can't force students to use the Windows store, so I need to be able to use these links. Certainly I tell all 400 of my students to navigate through the Windows directories to rename the executable, but it's bound to cause lots of problems.

Aside from this, the unversioned edition is already on the Windows Store, so why not add a link here too? If it's really impractical, of course I understand; it just adds another complication that, on its face, has a relatively easy fix.

Again, thanks for all that all of you do!

[craigloewen-msft]

/dupe #619