Asus, Xandros, Ubuntu

So i've been doing a bit of reading since I last posted and I realize that I mentioned the OS(operating system) on the netbook is Xandros. Technically, this is not quite true. It turns out, this is a specific OS made for the Asus EEE laptops when first introduced and was helped in part by the Xandros developers.

Some dub this OS as Xandros-lite as it is a rather simplistic OS without too many demanding features but has hints of Xandros. Actually, it is possible to install Xandros onto the netbook but that will take a bit more difficulty.

Xandros and this netbook's OS are both distributions of Linux. Xandros itself is a commercial release while this netbook's OS exists similarly. Of course, beyond Xandros, there are many different distributions of the Linux kernal. There is RedHat, OpenSuSe, Ubuntu and many more. Many companies use these different distributions of Linux mostly because of the ability to custom design software that is especially suited for the company. Case in point, Virgin America, the airline owned by Sir Richard Branson, has an in-flight piece of software called RED which is built upon RedHat and is in the front of every seat of the plane.

The beauty of OpenSuSe and Ubuntu is that both distributions are open source. This means that both distribtions of the OS are free and accessible to the public. The reason being is that it allows others to actually see the source code of these distributions and make improvements upon them or to add different software to the distribution. This is, in my opinion, a brilliant idea. While it is a bit more difficult to work on, I liken it to Wikipedia. While it may not be the end-all-be-all source for knowledge, it is a very robust living encyclopedia that the internet community continually works on and updates. I believe that these open source distributions are similar as there many mavens out there that have interest in programming and using different types of software. It would be extremely boring if there was only a two party system (Windows&Mac) and there are those who will be willing to play around with and work together to make some creative stuff.

In my opinion, Xandros-lite is a bit too simplistic, but this is with someone who is a good amount more knowledgeable with computers than a starting learner.