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How do I Choose the Best Netbook Operating System?

Troy Holmes
Troy Holmes

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.

Net books are mainly intended for use in accessing the Internet and Web-based programs, such as email, and document creation and processing.
Net books are mainly intended for use in accessing the Internet and Web-based programs, such as email, and document creation and processing.

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.

Discussion Comments

Markerrag

You'd be hard pressed to find a better operating system for a netbook than Mint Linux with the Xcfe desktop. If you're moving from Windows on a netbook, you'll be amazed at how much snappier your system will be with Mint. Also, you've got a full array of software already installed (Libre Office is a very good office suite that is compatible with Microsoft Office) and there's a built-in software store that makes finding and installing new applications a snap.

Mint is easy to install and has a large support community that can help newcomers with any problems they might have.

There are a lot of versions of Linux available. Test drive a few and find a flavor you like.

Oh, and if you really want to max out the performance of that little netbook, get the most RAM your system will handle (usually 2 GB) and that will boost our speed nicely.

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    • Net books are mainly intended for use in accessing the Internet and Web-based programs, such as email, and document creation and processing.
      By: opolja
      Net books are mainly intended for use in accessing the Internet and Web-based programs, such as email, and document creation and processing.