Some call it webtops, some call it WebOS. The purpose; to mimic the look, feel and functionality of a local computer contained within a web browser, fully accessible from any Internet-connected device. They are great because :
- you are always using the latest software
- you skip the necessary need to install updates or patches
- their hardware requirements are at a minimum
- https will safe guard your data from external interceptions
- No risk of getting laptop stolen
Below are 10 of the most notable web desktops of the moment : -
You can synchronize your desktop environment to be easily with AjaxWindows’ wizard. Most of the applications found in the online desktop are from Ajax13, the creators of AjaxWindows. It is deadly similar to Windows, which makes it pretty easy for existing Windows users to navigate around. It is stable (though laggy when you open too many applications ) and includes the synchronization feature which no one else has at the moment of writing. Some of the basic applications are :
It uses Java and NX technology thats the core engine. It’s free and it’s currently in it’s Beta stages. The GUI is more of a mixture of Linux and Windows. An account provides 1GB of remote storage space, with the option of buying additional space in increments of 1GB weekly. Main features at the time of writing are :
With more than 160, 000 active users since launching back in August 2006, DesktopTwo was built on PHP that enables it to drag and drop files. It’s free and open source. GUI is a mixture of Windows and Macinstosh. Some of the features available are :
Exo Portal WebOS uses a 100% AJAX based interface resembling a desktop-like GUI and a Java backend to simulate a true WebOS that fits the Enterprise needs. Several mentionable features include :
EyeOS is an open source web operating system that is powered by AJAX. It is free and has the ability to develop new applications with the eyeOS toolkit. GUI is more Macintosh than others. eyeOS’s base applications include :
It’s core engine is Flash and it is a lot like Windows. A lot. A basic account gets 3GB free. Key features include :
Transmedia’s self proclaimed ‘first online OS’, Glide OS 2.0 lives in a collaborative ecosystem that is free for up to 2GB. Glide comes in 4 platforms, Glide Next, Glide Mobile, Glide Business and Glide Campus. Glide, which uses Flash, allows you to invite others to view and collaborate on presentations over email, IM or from the address book. Notable features :
They thought it was funny and easier to remember, so they called it Goowy. In addition to that, Goowy sounds like GUI for graphical user interface, an area that Goowy strives to make a difference with it’s vibrancy and interactiveness. Allyou need is a flash enabled browser. Key features include :
oDesktop comes with the ability to install the entire application on your own webhost, to make use of your hosting space. That is one feature that makes this application unique. The interface looks cool and simple enough to use. Product features include :
When comparing OOS to other webtops like YouSO or EyeOS it sticks in the eye that OOS seems to offer more functionality. Additionally the usability is quite good since it looks very similar to Windows. The site gives you 1 GB of space and your own domain name and address (www.username.oos.cc). After registering, OOS will give you a file manager, a system control panel, and utility programs like a text editor, image viewer, games, etc.
Made out of AJAX and PHP, Purefect is free and it gives users a Windows + Macinstosh like feel. Key features are :
This internet OS is XML based and is currently in closed Beta, meaning that you’d have to get manual approval when you apply for a Beta account. The XML is actually an abstraction layer that sits atop a true operating system like Linux, Mac OS X, or Windows, just as does Transmedia’s Flash-based Glide Next media sharing environment.
XIOS provides a substantial advantage over current Internet-based applications because XIOS handles server communications more efficiently and it makes better use of local computing power, rather than relying on servers in the cloud for heavy number crunching. The result is fewer client-server transactions, better use of bandwidth, and faster response time for the user.
Because XIOS was built from the ground up, it includes an answer to two of the most distressing computing issues today: collaboration and keeping files backed up and synchronized across multiple machines and operating systems. Its transaction engine can mirror local files in the cloud and distribute them to others, allowing users to collaborate on the same XML document. An IM chat client could be created with a mere dozen lines of code because the process of communicating was simply mirroring the text input entered into two XML documents in different places, a functionality built-into the system.
Xindesk uses AJAX and is a lot like Windows. It is free but users by invitation only. Features include :
Ranked 7th in PC World’s ‘20 Most Innovative Products of 2006′, the free YouOS was first started in late December 2005 as an experimental, collaborative web operating system. Over 755 applications have been created using WebShaka’s (YouOS producer) own API since then. Notable applications include :
Contains a comprehensive list of ‘on demand’ web applications for work and entertainment. They are :
- Zimwrite - word Processor, provides the ability of saving Word-compatible documents
- Zimsheet - spread Sheet, provides the ability of loading and saving Excel-compatible documents
- Zimmail - pOP3 based email system
- Zimcalc - full Scientific Calculator
- Zimreader - rSS Reader with favorites and feed management
- Zimnav - integrated Web Browser with favorites and useful links selection
- ZimIM - web messenger with access to the MSN, Yahoo, Gtalk, AIM (AOL), Gadu-Gadu, ICQ, IRC, and XMPP networks
- Zimearth - map application with access to Google, Yahoo and MSN maps.
- Zimradio - listen to some of the best streaming Internet radio stations.
- Zimmusic - upload and listen to your own MP3’s no matter where you are.
- Zimvideo - upload and share your video clips.
- ZimTV - watch streaming web TV from around the World.
- Zimcommunity - complete social networking system. completely inter grated into the desktop.
- Zimforum - forum, allows any zimdesk user to create there own group.
- Zimblog - complete blogging system available directly from the desktop and viewable by all users
- Zimdrive - file explorer and file management application
Thu, Jan 8, 2009
Gadgets, Gossip, Social Media, Tech / Web 2.0