5 Cloud-Oriented Operating Systems Available Now
Google announced Chrome OS in 2009, promising the cloud-centric operating system would be available in 2010. Unfortunately, it will be next year before Chrome OS is widely available, Engadget confirmed this week. Google may release its own Chrome OS netbook next month, and there are already experimental builds available based on the Chromium OS source code. But if you don't want to wait for a finished, supported cloud-centric OS there are several you can download today.
Jolicloud
Jolicloud, based on the Chromium browser, is one of the most talked about cloud-based operating systems thus far. And considering that it's based on the same browser, it's the one that's most clearly analogous to the Chrome OS. Jolicloud supports over 700 web applications.
Jolicloud was one of our top 100 web products last year. You can read more of our coverage of Jolicloud here.
Peppermint
Peppermint is a fork of Lubuntu that incorporates Mozilla Prism and configuration files from Linux Mint (hence the name Peppermint). The goal of Peppermint is to create an easy to use Linux-based cloud operating system. You can read our previous coverage of Peppermint here.
gOS Cloud
gOS, an older lightweight Linux operating system vendor, launched its gOS Cloud operating system way back in 2008. Our coverage is here.
EasyPeasy
EasyPeasy started life Ubuntu Eee, but changed its name after Canonical complained. As the original name suggests, EasyPeasey was first designed for use with Asus Eee PCs. However, the OS now supports other hardware as well. It's focused on low power consumption, providing wireless support out of the box and small screen optimization. In addition to the interface shown below, users can optionally turn on a more Gnome-like interface.
MeeGo
MeeGo is Linux-based mobile operating system based on the Qt framework. It's the result of the merging of Nokia's Maemo and Intel's Moblin. Unlike the other operating systems mentioned here, there are versions of MeeGo designed for handsets, tablets and vehicles. However, unlike the others, Meego can't run standard Linux applications. Our previous coverage of MeeGo is here.
Conclusion
It's a shame that Chrome OS and Microsoft's forthcoming ServiceOS (formerly known as gazelle) are getting most the attention right now. There are many other exciting projects in the works. Cloud OSes could be an exciting area to watch if the smaller players can gain traction and challenge the big guys. Meanwhile, if you want an ultra-light web-centric operating system, there are plenty to choose from today.
Lead photo by Michael Roper
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a cloud-oriented operating system?
A cloud-oriented operating system is designed primarily to run web applications and connect to online services rather than executing local desktop software. These systems are incredibly lightweight, require very little storage, and boot up in seconds since the heavy lifting is handled by remote cloud servers instead of the local machine hardware.
Why choose a cloud OS over a traditional OS like Windows or macOS?
Choosing a cloud OS over a traditional operating system can dramatically improve performance on older or less powerful hardware like netbooks. They are more secure because there is less local attack surface, and data is safely synchronized in the cloud, meaning you won't lose your files if your physical device is damaged or lost.
Can I use a cloud operating system offline?
Yes, many modern cloud operating systems offer offline modes. While their primary value comes from internet connectivity, they frequently cache essential web apps locally or offer HTML5-based offline capabilities so that you can continue editing documents or viewing media without an active internet connection.
Is Chrome OS the only viable cloud operating system?
No, while Chrome OS is the most famous example backed by Google, there are numerous alternative cloud OS environments such as Jolicloud, Peppermint, gOS, and EasyPeasy. These alternative systems often provide unique features, differing interfaces, and broader hardware compatibility for users who do not want to be locked into the Google ecosystem.