Web operating systems
I’ve been struggling for a tagline for Webconverger.
The previous tagline “Webconverger is a free, up-to-date Web browser kiosk live system”, was a bit of a mouth full. Now, I’ve decided that a “Web operating system” best describes Webconverger. Webconverger isn’t just a “kiosk”...
The reason why I didn’t call Webconverger a Web operating system initially, was because I didn’t want to confuse anyone.
You see I’ve read blogs which talk about Web desktops or rather Web applications that emulate desktops, “operating systems”. I think for such Web applications, I’ll call them Web desktops, to be called an operating system is just abuse.
Calling Web desktops “operating systems” tarnishes the good name of operating systems, when silly Web applications emulate broken dead WIMP win32 environments. I can’t be the only one that hates Windows. I’m not talking about Microsoft Windows. I am talking about overlapping Windows windows. :)
So I have a little fight on my hands with Wikipedia and the entry on Web operating systems. Hopefully someone agrees with me that Webconverger is a Web OS.
Sidenote: I’m in the process of releasing the Debian-live etch based Webconverger 2.15 (download) which features a new textless progress bar and reset feature.
May 23rd, 2007 at 1:45 pm
I also never found the windows metaphor very useful. My usual setup is 9 virtual desktops, each with a maximized window (one for emacs, one for browser, several terminal desktops, etc).
It’s interesting that most people regard web interfaces as being easier to operate – I think the lack of windows is one of the biggest advantages.
I don’t see the value of a name like “Web Operating System”, though. Perhaps “Web Desktop” would do better, since this is really the thing that’s being replaced.
May 23rd, 2007 at 2:31 pm
Thanks Tom! Do you have a Wikipedia account? Add your signature to support my proposal.
May 24th, 2007 at 10:42 am
[...] May update: cl33n is another Web operating system [...]
August 29th, 2007 at 6:55 am
if you are still interested in web operating systems, also take a look at the online operating system at http://www.oos.cc and provide us with some feedback and your opinion. thank you!