cloud operating system

A cloud operating system operates within cloud computing and provides a virtualized environment. This operating system manages the execution, operation, and processes of virtual servers, machines, and infrastructure. Besides, it manages the software resources as well as back-end hardware. We can also call it a virtual operating system. However, the cloud operating system’s functionality varies based on the virtual environment and cloud services in use. We can technically describe it as a lightweight operating system that stores data and accesses web-based applications from a remote server. Google Chrome OS and Microsoft Windows Azure are two examples of cloud operating systems.

Hence, as a cloud, the users can manage the tasks from their mobile internet devices, netbooks, and tablets exactly the similar way they can manage it from their desktops as internet-based users can work on the go with a cloud OS. From a productivity point of view, a cloud OS allows better usage of resources like storage, computing, and network of data centers. At the same time, it enhances employee productivity with faster and better delivery of applications applicable across all clouds like public, private, and hybrid. Furthermore, it provides improved security and compliance.

 You can install a cloud operating system as a stand-alone operating system or with other operating systems. As the hardware use is very less for stand-alone cloud OS, hence it is a cost-saving venture. Not to mention, accessibility from anywhere is another biggest advantage.

Related post – Is Cloud Operating system the next logical step?

Advantages of Cloud Operating Systems

Easy Software Upgrades

Cloud operating is hassle-free for software updates. For example, whenever a new version of the cloud OS hits the web, you will get an option to install it. Furthermore, unlike the traditional operating system, it is not a lengthy ordeal. Instead, it eliminates those assortments of programs, firmware, and drivers whenever a new version is installed. Thus, it is essentially not a start from scratch again and again! Consider the tiring process of upgrading an outdated OS, which takes hours. On the contrary, a cloud operating system can be updated within minutes. Not to mention, you will get all your pre-existing applications and programs left intact.

Reduced Risk of Viruses

Do you want to bid a long-awaited farewell to computer viruses? Then it is the right choice to move into a cloud operating system. One of the prime reasons behind this is this type of OS doesn’t interact directly with computer hardware. A cloud operating system is, no doubt is a reliable choice that discards the pain of constantly formatting hard drives while purchasing costly antivirus software. In other terms, it saves a great deal of time, money, and effort.

Cost-Effectiveness

Purchasing an operating system is not a cheap affair. It costs several hundred dollars. Additionally, it is prone to virus attacks and has a viable chance of becoming obsolete as soon as the next version comes into the market. Cloud OS is the best answer to this. Also, there is a wide availability of these operating systems these days. Name-brand cloud OS costs less than the traditional OS, but some are also available free of charge. Hence, cloud OS is an affordable alternative available on the web against the latest over-counter operating system. This is an excellent choice for small businesses.

Impressive Speed

Not just the cost and preventing virus attacks are the only reasons for considering a traditional OS’s cloud operating system. Since cloud OS is not tied to computer hardware, it is extremely fast. We find many reasons that lag the performance of OS like open programs, insufficient memory, computer virus, etc. There is no chance of compromise for speed in the case of cloud OS. So, no matter if you are using minimal RAM and running multiple programs simultaneously with cloud OS.

Top 10 Cloud operating software

1. Netvibes

Netvibes is a cloud OS that you can run within any popular browser. The Dashboard can capture everything that happens like social media, news, website browsing, apps, and smart devices. Besides, it has customization ability, making it one step ahead as the features are unique and fit in the environment.

Features of Netvibes

  • This is a free OS that you can download free and run as a plug-in from any well-known browser. It focuses on being independent of platforms and devices and collaborates with browsers and platforms. 
  • Netvibes includes the application for presentation, word editor. Besides, it has a compatible environment for groupware, SMTP client for email, and much more.
  • Netvibes supports over 100 mobile devices, and also, you can convert files for sharing as required with it.
  • Since this OS keeps data online, users can work with both local and cloud applications with maximum security provided.
  • You can configure the triggers from the dashboards and automate the actions. At the same time, data-driven decisions can be taken using the visualization displayed on the monitor.
  • If you upgrade to the premium version of this OS, it will open new scope of collaborating with your personal data. Through it, you can evaluate business matrices and drag and drop charts.

2. Amoeba OS

  • Amoeba is a general-purpose distributed operating system that is a collection of machines and works as an integrated system. You can compare it similar as making research and distribution development . Also, it can be compared with collateral systems, languages, applications, and agreements.
  • Amoeba is a distributed and parallel computing system. However, four basic designs are part of it: Performance, Transparency, parallelism, and Distribution. A high-performance FLIP network protocol is used for its LAN connection.

Features of this Amoeba

  • It is designed in a way so that it can work in both distributed and parallel mode depending on the project requirements.
  • User-level programs determine the policy of application entirely. So, the users do not necessarily know where the files are located or the location of the CPUs.
  • With Amoeba, you don’t need to permit distinctive remote login instructions for multiple processors. Similarly, for faraway files, there is no need of distinctive remote mount operations.
  • The fundamental communication procedure it follows is to approve the message to be sent and get replies – 3 pickups with a minimum of delay.
  • The machine can be spread around a building on a LAN even without having some kind of machine.

3. EyeOS

EyeOS, also known as web OS, offers file management and application tools though it is not really customized. EyeOS mainly designs the platform for web applications which are commonly written in PHP, XML, and JavaScript. Though social media operation is not a part of interaction in this system, it can link files on the user PC by saving them in a folder.

Features of this OS

  • Only one web browser is enough to access the eyeOS and its applications.
  • EyeOS provides a desktop environment with 67 apps along with system advantages.
  • The goal of EyeOS is to work from everywhere and allowing sharing ability from anywhere in the easiest way possible.
  • It supports dynamic content. Also, it is designed with an extensive list of applications and a remote storage facility. At the same time, it supports independent browsers and platforms with rich texting facilities
  • EyeOS provides free internet points facilities in schools and universities, public library networks, and other web places for their users to work and communicate with network managers.

4. CloudMe

CloudMe supports the GUI interface, and you can operate it efficiently with collaboration with others. It’s appropriate for freelancers, small businesses, and groups of similar interests.

This customizable desktop in the cloud contains information sharing & task management facilities. One can easily have a team update and real-time operating details to know exactly what’s happening at the given time.

Features of this OS

  • Provides a list of recent activities of Hive
  • It allows its users to send messages to individuals and groups.
  • You can bookmark using this cloud OS. Along with that, it supports online notes and microblogging along with a chat room.
  • Easy to navigate within and between multiple accounts. It interacts with other members as well as manages tasks.
  • It has a modular app system for plugging in the tools to get the project organized and done.
  • One can upload or import images from flicker, message, and import videos from YouTube and Vimeo.

5. OSV

OSV is an open-source operating system that is designed in a way so that it can provide superior performance and effortless management. It offers a simple API to manage any aspect. Also, it makes it eligible for images of a virtual machine. It supports running Linux applications but is not Linux itself.

 Features of this OS

  • OSv does not use Docker container; instead, it has its own application has its own application for image systems called Capstan.
  • You can manage the interface with it, and it also provides a mechanism for passing configuration data.
  • It also includes services for directly managing JAVA apps and can be an easy-to-use operation even for the early adopter.
  • Users can download and run interfaces on their own hardware or on a cloud server and from any available source under the BSD license.

6. Ghost

Ghost is the short form of the Global Hosted Operating System. It is one of the popular choices among cloud OS for users. It offers storage services both for individuals and business files. The apps ensure personal security from device to device and can be distributed directly from websites through channels.

Features of this OS

  • Very simple and easy to use, along with quick file and folder managing facilities
  • You can upload any type of data from any type of device and view or edit with any browser.
  • You can share files instantly by sending them links or can mount as windows drive just like a USB flash drive.
  • Files can be moved very smoothly from a hard disk to a cloud or a cloud to a hard disk with editing facilities online.

7. Cloudo

Cloudo is a opensource cloud OS. With Cloudo, you can access the documents as faster as possible, no matter where you are! It can be called a virtual operating system where the servers do all the work for users.

Features of this OS

  • It has a modern and beautiful user interface with an open, powerful, stable, and versatile development environment.
  • One can reach documents, photos, music, and all other files with only a click.
  • Users can create applications or joint accounts for them and also for a group of people or even for everyone.
  • One can make money with the system if they are good enough to operate well.

8.JoliOS

Joli cloud operating system is a multiuser, cross-browser user-friendly Web Desktop Environment. You can install this cloud OS on Linux, Apache, MySQL, and Perl. It is an independent platform.

Features of this OS

  • JoliOS cloud supports both Multiple OS users or single user. The user has its own home directory, own desktop, and workspace.
  • Jolicloud has more than 15years of experience in cloud computing and offers more than 15,000 applications that you can access for any purpose.
  • You can use all the cloud applications that include google drive, dropbox, Mediafire, while you can manage all of your cloud life in a platform known as Jolicloud Me.
  • One can use Joli OS features through API and social media platforms like Facebook, Flickr, Instagram, Picasa, Tumblr, and Twitter.

9. XOS

With XOS design, you can control, compose and assemble services. You will not get many personalization options, but there is a good collection of apps with which you can perform personal works. The service consists of a web browser, file manager, text editor, calendar, notes, games like canvas rider, email, etc. It is designed specially to manage resources for hardware and software.

Features of this OS

  • Explains a service control plane for all the back-end service implementations, including macro services, program controlling, etc.
  • Services are configured through the service controller interface, but the controller is not on the data path between the services.
  • This cloud OS can be used as an abstract tool to build a functional, evolvable, service-oriented cloud using multi-tenant services.
  • Services (XaaS), considering it a fundamental part of CORD TM.

Lucid cloud OS is a free online open-source web OS that comes with multiple applications to read the news, use of Twitter, customize documents, etc. It also facilitates with RSS feed reader, games also bash-like terminal applications as well as third-party services. Lucid introduced the most comprehensive software platform, ‘Lucid BuildingOS,’ for managing building performance.

Features of this OS

  • It offers extremely customizable services and one of which is multilingual facilities.
  • It holds data across the portfolio and improves operations and collaboration with other sharing drives.
  • Applications are easy to find and easy to use just by browsing through this operating system.
  • One can edit any type of document without even having their personal computer around. Just with a browsing machine, the accessibility becomes very user-friendly.

To Conclude

With a cloud operating system, you can manage multiple virtual machines at a time. Using Cloud OS, you can manage the cloud environment and set up a dashboard for meeting specific goals. Cloud OS provides you with all the necessary applications for both your personal use and work, which ultimately saves a lot of time and increases efficiency at the same time. Some of the cloud OS comes with business solutions through which you can choose the data-centric approach and incorporate result-driven solutions.

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