Jolicloud Alpha could soon be the operating system running your netbook

This OS provides faster boot times, improved internet surfing, and support for cloud computing

Jolicloud logo

Jolicoloud running on a Samsung NC10

We have seen that netbooks are getting popular day by day and so is the concept of a new and unique operating system that provides faster boot time, is user friendly, and has a fresh GUI. Gone are the days when there was only Windows XP OS to power your PC. Now-a-days, users have the option to choose from a variety of operating systems that meet their specific needs like Linux, Ubuntu, Moblin, Android, etc.

Jolicloud is the latest offering in the OS domain and is being developed by Tariq Krim, the man behind Netvibes, which pioneered the concept of a personalized homepage as an alternative to traditional web portals. This custom OS is designed and built specifically for netbooks and is available as a private alpha for a select number of early testers and people who put themselves on the waiting list (on the official website).

Jolicloud is based on Ubuntu and Debian and is optimized for use with netbooks that are always connected to the internet. Some people have named it a “Social OS” and rightly so because It enables users to install web applications that run as if they were installed natively, including Gmail, Skype, Twitter, Facebook, Meebo, and many more. The main features that distinguish this OS is the built-in support for cloud computing, which means that users are virtually connected over the internet e.g. a user can follow other Jolicloud users and get to know what groups they have joined, applications they installed, and much more.

A video from Netbooknews.com shows Jolicloud installed on a Samsung NC10 netbook, the graphical user interface looks quite neat. It is quite easy to install applications and to get notified about various updates. Jolicloud lets you make a profile which can help a user to easily power up a brand new netbook, install the OS and use it in exactly the same way as on any other netbook.

The alpha version of this OS has been code named Robby after the founders liking for Robby the Robot. This operating system is compatible with the following netbooks:

·         Acer: Aspire One, Aspire 150

·         Asus: Eee PC 700, 701SD, 900, 901, 904HD, 1000, 1000H, 1000HD, S101 / Eee Box B202 / Eee Top 1602 should work

·         Compaq: Mini 700EF and HP Mini 1000

·         Dell Mini 9 and Dell mini 10v (not on Dell mini 10)

·         Intel Classmate and derivates should work

·         Lenovo S-10 series

·         MSI: Wind 100, Wind 120

·         Samsung NC10, N310

The exact release date of the commercial version is not out yet, but, it sure is worth the wait.