9 Cloud Operating System You Can Try Out for Free.....
Cloud Computing means Internet-based computing where your data and the software are present on the Web, and the application is used as a service rather than a standalone software. You can run a virtual application or operating system within a browser which preserves your user session and your data. It’s like travelling with your own computer but without carrying its hardware.
With a Cloud operating system (also known as a Web OS), you can manage your office work, prepare projects, etc quite similar to how you do on your desktop. The beauty of the idea is that everything is stored on the Internet and hence available everywhere you go!
Want to give Cloud OS a go? Here are a few Cloud OS you can test run for free.
Recommended Reading: Cloud Hosting: How Does It Really Work?
1. ZeroPC
ZeroPC offers you 1GB of free storage and lets you to connect cloud storage services like Box, DropBox, Google Drive, SkyDrive, SugarSync and 4Shared for access to your paperwork. ZeroPC is also available on the Android, iPhone and iPad, giving you access while on the go.
For photo lovers, it is also a great "photo management tool", linking photo & video services like Facebook, Flickr, Instagram, PhotoBucket, Picasa and Recood. Plus, it also has native apps for instant messaging, a text editor as well as productivity tools for managing documents and spreadsheets online.
2. Jolicloud
Jolicloud offers you Joli OS, which you can download and install in your system (even if it’s 10 years old) or use it in the browser. Joli OS provides you with the full cloud experience – keep and use your favorite apps any time, any where. Jolicloud has over 15,000 web apps you can access using the system.
You can integrate your DropBox and Google Drive accounts with Jolicloud and there is also a ‘Jolicloud Me’ version where you can manage all of your online life at a single place Jolicloud Me currently supports Facebook, Flickr, Instagram, Picasa, Tumblr and Twitter.
3. Glide OS
Glide OS is a good choice if you’re collaborating for a group project. Glide team offers 30GB of free storage and you can add a total of 6 users in your account. The OS is not very pretty but is quite useful; it has additional features like email and profiles as well as basic tools like Calendar, Notes, Text editor, Presentation maker, etc required for your paperwork.
Glide also provides a syncing software for Windows, Mac OS and Linux so that you can easily sync your files between Glide HD (they call it the Glide Hard Disk) and your local storage. They also have browser extensions and a mobile version.
4. SilveOS
SilveOS is a cloud operating system built on Silverlight. You can run it in any browser with Silverlight installed. It has many built-in apps which let you write, listen to music, make notes, and even play Solitaire. You can also install Silverlight apps from the web in SilveOS.
It, however, doesn’t provide any storage so it’s not the best Cloud OS for long term work. But it’s a handy tool if you often work on computers that is not yours like the office computer or at cyber cafes.
5. iSpaces Cloud Computer
iSpaces has only the basic features for you to manage your work like Browser, File manager, Notes, Office suite (Zoho office), etc. It also has 3 Workspaces accessible from the task bar. t lets you keep your working environments organized with quick access from one Workspace to the other.
You can work on your files from Box and DropBox using the file manager. iSpaces has a simple environment for you to access your files on Box and DropBox in the same view, and you can move your files from one space to another just by drag and drop. The changes will be reflected in your respective cloud storage accounts.
6. Cloudo
Although in beta stage, Cloudo is an interesting operating system built to run in your browser. It is packed with apps like Mail, Calendar, Audio Player, RSS reader, Contact manager, Word processor, Notepad, Command Line Interpreter, Finder (to search files) etc. It provides a good interface like an operating system where you can run commands, install apps, play music etc.
It handle multi-tasking quite efficiently and let you do your tasks efficiently. It also offers an Application Manager which you can use to install more apps in your Cloudo.
7. xOS
xOS doesn’t provide a lot of customization options but they do provide a good collection of apps for personal use. It offers Web browser, File manager, Text editor, Notes, Calendar, Paint, Email client, and Canvas Rider (a bicycle game) among others.
8. ZimDesk
ZimDesk is a cloud operating system full of apps and features. It has got Custom wallpapers, Office Suite, Contact Manager, RSS reader, Calendar, Mail client, FTP client, File uploader and manager etc.
9. The Places A
It’s an another cloud operating system which offers basic apps like Radio, Calendar, File manager, Bookmark manager, Notes, Email client, etc. You can add web apps to it as links which will be opened in new tabs. It also supports Instant messaging between its users.
Cloud OS is unique in the sense that you can have all your documents, designs, music, personal files, photos and videos kept online and accessible via a virtual working environment. Great for busy people who are always on the go, travelling to different places, working on different computers or mobile devices. Working on a Cloud OS, all you need is an Internet connection and you’re all set.
