Canonical Unleashes Karmic Koala: A Net Book Oriented Linux OS

Jonathan Lovelock | Oct 31, 2009 | Comments

ubuntu-logo In the last two years mini sized laptops sans optical drives, commonly known as Net books have become increasingly popular. They are portable and lightweight and also allow the users to perform the majority of computer related works. Another reason behind the popularity of these Net books is that they come loaded with Windows XP in most of the cases. However, the Net book users are likely to get more options to choose the OS.

In a recent development that has created a stir in the Net book market, Canonical has released an updated version of Linux OS based on Ubuntu core which is meant for Net books. The new OS has got a sleek interface and a host of new applications that, according to the company, will simplify the task of Internet access and media management. The new OS is intuitively named as Ubuntu 9.10 Net book Remix. Its codename is Karmic Koala.

The interface of the new OS includes a frame that holds the programs installed including the favorites, office applications, Video and games. As the users click on a category in the left side, a list of related applications pops up in the right pane of the screen. As per canonical, the Net book Remix OS is markedly different from the other available versions of Ubuntu Linux for Desktops and servers.

It is a step up from the former net book OS version of Canonical that was released in the first quarter of 2009. As one can expect, the new OS comes equipped with the latest versions of the software like Firefox web browser and Office applications. Canonical earlier said that their subsequent net book OS releases would stress on issues like speedy boot and better battery life in net books. As of now, the company has not confirmed if the new version scores on this front or not.

Karmic Koala is the first OS from Canonical to offer Ubuntu One, its web based data storage and sharing service. This service gives the users 2 GB space for online storage for free. However, those who need more online storage space would have to churn out money. It comes with an updated version of Ubuntu Software Center that enables the users to remove and add programs without hassle. Canonical is trying to woo the users by offering a range of desktop environments like KDE, Gnome and XFCE. All these environments developed atop the Linux core offer great GUI and useful software.

The Net book market is a nascent one with tremendous potential for growth. That explains why a number of industry giants are busy making OS for net books. The big players include Google, Microsoft and Intel. Google’s futuristic Chrome OS is likely to hit the market in the next year. Intel’s Moblin platform based on Linux core is in the development stage and it is also meant for portable devices. Hence, the entry of Karmic Koala will only intensify the competition among the companies and give the Net book users more flexibility.

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