Jolicloud is a custom Linux distribution developed for netbooks. It’s not quite available to the public yet yet, but Sascha from NetbookNews.de got a chance to load an alpha version of the operating system on his Samsung NC10 and see what makes it tick. At its core, Jolicloud is a custom version of Ubuntu. It’s optimized for netbooks with the Intel Atom processor, which means it takes advantage of the CPU’s power saving features and offers faster bootup times than some operating systems. It also runs the Ubuntu Netbook Remix software in the background.
But what really makes Jolicloud stand out is the slick new interface that provides access to web apps, desktop apps, and social updates from your contacts. For instance, you can launch internet applications like Meebo or Zoho Sheet with a single click, just the same way you would launch a program installed on your computer like GIMP or VLC. You can also find new applications in a social way by adding other Jolicloud users as contacts and the operating system will send you updates to let you know what applications your friends are using.
In some ways, Jolicloud feels a bit like the HP Mini 1000 Mi Edition interface or the latest version of Moblin Linux. All three operating systems are designed to make your desktop more of a launching pad for web and social activity than simply a place to store files or launch desktop applications.
Jolicloud is the brain child of Tariq Krim, the guy who brought us the web-based Netvibes personal start page.
You can check out Sascha’s rather lengthy overview video after the break.
