New Web Based OS: Xenon!

[dandart]

I'm starting to create a brand new Web-Based (Cloud) OS, called Xenon, which attempts to redefine the desktop.

First of all it will run on the Internet, enabling people to use it wherever they are, and to use their files.

It should run on basic Web technologies, enabling anyone to use it regardless of what browser plugins or OS they have already.

It will include all the apps you would expect a fully-fledged OS to have, and it is designed to be a unity between apps like Google Docs and Meebo, having document editing, instant messaging, browsing, playing music, etc all in one interface.

There will be an optional Linux base for use with Live CDs and netbooks, etc. including only the Gecko/XULRunner engine to display it.

Work has started on the OS, and everyone is welcome to contribute in any way they can.

You can find the progress and the discussion messageboard at:

The Xenon System

Thanks!

Dan

[Chris H]

Good on you for giving it a go but what makes your system stand out from the others inn this field that are already available?

[Manchunian]

There will be an optional Linux base for use with Live CDs

What do you mean by this? How does your project differ from Uteo, for example?
Thanks for the info. Always nice to see stuff like this being created.

[dandart]

Chris H: This will use bare web technologies and as such will load faster, and it has a significantly different interface than others.

Manchunian: I'm making a Linux/Busybox/Nano-X base which, upon inserting a CD and rebooting, it will go straight into the Web OS (which will contain a local version of the OS, which syncs with the online version). This will be for people who don't have an OS on their computer, or for UMPCs.

[Manchunian]

Sounds interesting. I look forward to trying it.

[SkittleLinux18]

I certainly do not want to negate or discourage mr. dart's efforts. That's just not who I am... most of the time

But I still have to ask, what's the point of a web-based os? You still need a computer to access it. Might as well have an OS installed on that computer.

[Manchunian]

But I still have to ask, what's the point of a web-based os?

It's the future - apparently. Microsoft is developing something on those lines. The idea is that we are moving more and more to web-based applications rather than having our programs physically installed on the PC. Google started it with Google docs and the process continues. I think the idea is that you can put your computer in your pocket, so to speak, so that wherever you go you have access to your documents, favourite applications, configurations and so forth. Linux has to move in this direction too if it's to keep up. Take a look at ulteo. It's been available for a year now. I use it, but thus far I don't find it very useful. It's in its early stages, though.

[dandart]

Well put Manchunian. An added bonus to this is that it can be used on all sorts of small computers, which are extremely low-end. I tested the Linux base on qemu and set it with 32MB of RAM and it ran perfectly. I eventually plan to make a version for small phones or embedded devices, such as the Nintendo DS.

The point of all this is that you could always use your current desktop distro to access the OS, much like Ulteo, and it will save all your documents in the OS too, so if you move computer, you won't lose all your docs. If you have an embedded device, or just built a £50 ($100) computer out of extremely low-end parts, it will still work, which would enable people to use it extremely cheaply.

Check the progress at The Xenon System

I'm looking for developers, helpers, artists, people with big ideas, so I'd like anyone and everyone to join me in my efforts.

[Manchunian]

It looks interesting dandart. I'd be more than happy to help out on the testing front.

[Chris H]

dandart, ajaxwindows is another 'cloud' type application.