A Netbook is a small laptop computer that is streamlined in both functionality and design. There are many operating systems (OS) that work on a Netbook. Selecting the best Netbook operating system depends on how the computer will be used. Most operating systems are inexpensive, which makes the selection a question of user preference.
The Netbook hardware is basically a small laptop that is designed for the Internet. Most users do not require the sophistication of a large computer, which is why the Netbooks do not typically include disk drives. When choosing an operating system, it is best to determine the experience level of the user. Some operating systems require significant configuration to work properly.
Some of the best operating systems available today include Linux, Microsoft Windows and Google Android. Each of these operating systems offers several advanced features. This makes choosing a Netbook operating system dependent on the intended use of the Netbook. All of the operating systems function effectively for simple Internet access purposes.
The Android operating system offers an open source environment, which can be easily configured to support the Netbook desktop. This Netbook operating system provides a high-performing OS that works well in the compact design of the Netbook. The Android OS is also available with a dual boot configuration to support both Android and the Windows OS in parallel. This type of OS is typically used by more experienced computer users.
Microsoft Windows XP is the operating system that is currently available for many Netbook computers. This type of Netbook operating system can be easily integrated with other Microsoft applications, which makes it a good choice for less experienced users.
Linux is an advanced OS that works well as a Netbook operating system. There are many types of Linux that can function on this smaller platform. These include Ubuntu, CrunchEee, Mobile Linux, and Linpus. These versions of Linux provide a slimmer software configuration than the typical Linux environment, which works well with smaller Netbook hardware.
The Apple Macintosh OS functions on a Netbook operating system but requires significant configuration to work properly. This is only suitable for the most advanced computer users because it will not work “out of the box.” This is because the Apple Mac OS is designed to function on Apple proprietary hardware. Currently the Apple Netbook implementation works best on the Apple Tablet rather than the Netbook.