I hear a lot of folks suggesting that since they had issues getting Ubuntu to work on their laptop, anyone who buys this from Wal-Mart will have to be a Linux geek to get it running.

I think that's a bit silly. If the makers of this PC didn't specifically choose hardware that Linux will run on out of the box or make changes in their pre-installed OS so that it runs on the hardware they've got, then of course this will be a failure. You would hope they're a bit smarter than that.

Also, what video and mp3 limitations does this have? If it's Ubuntu-based, shouldn't it automatically install the right codec the first time you try to play a format?

andrewsomething

Really old machines are not particularly great with Webapps. Try running Gmail on a P133Mhz. Crawls!

Using Enlightenment as the default desktop is a good choice for old systems, and the already preconfigured toolbar should make it easy to jump right into using the computer. I guess Walmart's target market is people that don't already own a computer, and who would primarily be using it for mail and browsing.

With so many paint job derivatives from Ubuntu, I sometimes wish they would release them as scripts/packages/Ubuntu add-ons, rather than full fledged distros. Oh, well.

Irian

@MiddleGeek: Agreed; I can't even figure out gOS's reason for existing. Take Ubuntu, put some icons on a desktop?

massysett

@adam - should be 'synaptic package manager' not 'synaptec'. otherwise great article thanks!

TechTalk WRLR 98.3FM

@MiddleGeek:

The point of this is that it's grandmother friendly, meaning it's less intimidating than *buntu.

But you're right, if you want the full deal- don't use this.

rasbach

Maybe I missed it but if gOS is Ubuntu with a paint job, why not just use Ubuntu or Xubuntu to retask that old PC, especially since gOS has some video and MP3 limitations. Could it just be a Coke/Pepsi issue? gOS just offers another flavor?

MiddleGeek

I think this has the best chance to be a successful first computer for grandma and grandpa. Big, can't miss 'em buttons that link directly to what they want? That's perfect.
Whether you upgrade an old clunker you've got laying around, or go out and splurge for WalMart's $200 version, I think it's well worth the effort to get an older parent or grandparent connected.

fatalbush

This is pretty cool!

I'll have to DL this and try it out on my little beater system to see how it does.

strider_mt2k

I like the idea of integrating web apps into the os, but why do I need an os built around a toolbar that opens a browser to open my mail? That seems exceptionally redundant. You can already create shortcuts from your dock or taskbar so I think I am missing what features this adds to the overall user experience. The fact that it uses little system resources is great I guess, but it doesn't strike me as particularly interesting. I do think that a big box retailer selling Linux machines is a step in the right direction.

bernsno

@landonmiller: Because Home Basic is featureless compared to this one (Its Ubuntu complete, one just needs to edit the Enlightenment Theme).

@engtech: Because it does not sport sound drivers compatible with vmware... I dunno why. Oh ok, yes you can compile the newest ALSA and get the best support, etc. But i think that somebody is working on that already just to release it as a vmware appliance.

@Serendipipse: Security wise, Linux is more secure (debatable) because there are not a bunch of people targeting the system (debatable, too). Either way, your security needs are covered via system updates, where you only need to keep an eye for security updates. Thats it. The firewall (a must in most environments) can be installed for free via a simple update, and so is the anti virus (Kapersky makes one, but haven't tried it yet).

@wescrock: Just install said dvd on a machine with internet access, and after it is installed just go to system settings to install said capabilities (it's not such a big download, it's called Ubuntu restricted i believe, but it clearly states that it is used to play DVD's and MP3's, and flash). But about complete... Dude! It's Ubuntu, which means that if you can't find it already installed, you just need to download it from the Add/Remove Programs.

However, the theme needs some corrections (if you change the resolution to 800x600 on VMWARE the lower pannels are somewhat inaccessible). Scrolling icons are not that intuitive, so i would edit the panels and make them smaller (and centered at the bottom), and they need to give you instructions or a way to remove the google search bar (too big). Also, all apps at the bottom should be webrunner webapps but instead they open on firefox.

I say give 'em some time and they will iron their distro and deliver the goods.

whiskey

I also forgot to mention that webrunner is now acually Prism as noted here.

shane_mckinley

I actually love the idea of this gOS operating system. I also think that these walmart PC's are amazing. Most of my extended family aren't the sharpest knives in the drawer when it comes to computers and I think this would be a great way to prevent me from having to make the rounds at xmas to do the bi-annual spyware/virus/junk removal. Great idiot proof PC in my opinion thanks to this OS and provides the illusion of being incredibly user friendly with the large familiar icons.

AnthoMacP

I haven't used it yet, but:
1) Downloadable distro (in case you want to try it on your old PC and don't have enough motivation to go to Wal-Mart) doesn't seem to contain any multimedia codecs and - from my experience - installing those on Ubuntu isn't always a successful procedure.

2) I'd like to see how gOS displays non-English characters in folder/file names.

3) Wi-Fi. If it's Ubuntu-based, there has to a problem with wi-fi :) I still cannot get it to work on my laptop.

I mean, if you're a Linux geek, it shouldn't be a problem for you to get all those things working, but for "computer savvy" WalMart-type of audience it's just an unnecessary waste of time.

bnosach

I have trialed gOS and as noted here, it is still in alpha stage so there are some bugs. I hope by the time the final release comes, gOS will be a solid OS that takes up little resources.

shane_mckinley

Well, at least they reduced the size of the image so that it can fit on a CD. That was a deal-breaker.

subtle

@wescrock: They have a full version with those features, it's called Ubuntu. ;)

TheTick

the only reason why I am not so enthusiastic about this OS... is that the free online copy does not have the ability to play DVD's or play MP3s... If it did, I would be totally down with this for my spare lappy... If they were to release the FULL version... i would be all over it.

wescrock

How about security, firewall and antivirus? I don't know anything about how that works on Linux, other than that it's said to be a safer, more stabile system etc.

Serendipipse

Might have to try this one as a distraction free development environment.

Oh wait, all those web apps are my every day distraction :)

I'm surprised someone hasn't releases a VMWare appliance for this yet: [vmware.com]

engtech

Or for $298 you can buy an upgraded machine with Windows Home Basic, 1GB (instead of 512mb), a DVD burner (isntead of just cd-r)... I think that computer right there would be worth the extra money.

landonmiller

What is with that crap load of icons along the bottom of the screen?

Qwertinsky

I'm going to have to try this when I get home. I'll let you know how it goes!

thoerner

@fatalbush: Couldn't agree more. I've just been home to New Zealand from my 'home' in France to set my parents up with their first PC (Vista for them, Ubuntu/Vista for me), this looks like it's exactly the bees knees/dogs bollocks.

Downloading now to check it out.

gregbzh

Yea. I work as tech support for everex, the computer that comes with gOS. These computers are aweful. The amount of tech support that this project uses is ridiculous. The training was popped onto us two days before the project came out, and most of us have never used linux before. gOS may be an ok distro, but the Everex computer you should stay away from. Don't people realize you get what you pay for?

AntiEverex

The more I think about it, I can't figure out their target market. People savy enough to already know about Linux and install it on their own might prefer a computer with higher specs. Figured it would be a nice, safe, user friendly option for people without computer looking to get a cheap one for mail, etc.. but relying on webapps also means relying on broadband, which is not cheap. I can't imagine my grandpa getting broadband.

Irian

Someone brought me a pc to clean off because they were donating it to someone who doesn't have one. After I wiped the hard drive I installed Ubuntu 7.10. No problems, works like a dream. I'm only worried that the recipient will not be willing to use it because it's not Windows and it is slightly unfamiliar. I use Ubuntu because I prefer it, but I have a hard time getting others to try it. Even if it is for free. As often as people bring me virus covered machines you'd think they'd want an alternative.

Whitehead

@AnthoMacP: I can completely relate to the biannual spyware cleansing--I tested gOS breifly and it failed to properly mount my drives, had a little trouble with a static IP, and a few other minor things. It did look easy to use though. About a year ago, when Vista was being hyped, i decided to make the move to Linux. Everyone recommended Ubuntu, I tried it and wasn't sold. Most of us are migrating from XP, and I think KDE is a little more familiar than Gnome. I tried a few others and settled on PCLinuxOS, it's a great OS, and works well out of the box. I have also heard PC-BSD is good for beginners. I am going to test it on my folks this weekend. We'll see how it goes. All that aside, I'm glad gOS is getting Linux out to the masses.

y0urm0msname

@landonmiller:

Yes... and then wipe Vista Basic off the machine and install Ubuntu 7.10. I basically did that with this computer I'm on now...except it's XP / Ubuntu 7.10

-A

Adam Chernow

If anyone does buy one of these machines for their grandmother, please let us know how well it works for them.

iain010100

So this _isn't_ Goobuntu? yeah right!!

Maurik

@RASBACH, good point. I guess the paint job was shiny labels for all the clearly marked buttons to push.

@MASSYSETT, I understand what they are doing now. It is VERY easy to use and is clearly marked. I guess you could almost consider it the "Large Print" version of *Buntu...or visually it would be:
[www.tvsnob.com]

(Random Tangent -- I really like Xubuntu and highly recommend it.)

MiddleGeek

@Serendipipse:

to answer you in a bit more detail than Whiskey,

security: like Whiskey said, it's secure out-of-the-box. when a security hole is found, it's fixed ASAP- no matter what the possible threat level (a model M$ could learn from; they "prioritize" their threats. takes on average about a week for a very serious security hole to be addressed whereas more minor exploits may never be addressed).

another reason it's more secure is not necessarily because it's less targeted but rather the inherent design of the system- it runs in "layers" (the windowing/graphics system is separate from the system kernel" whereas in windows, it's all intergrown together (in other words, a security exploit present in the windowing/graphics system can potentially provide a route for a hacker to set up a rootkit).
also, aside from layering, linux has right from the beginning been focused on multi-user security/functionality. it's been designed ground-up with this in mind. multi-user protocol hasn't really been implemented in windows since NT, and it does a shady job at best implementing (such as the default user running with administrator rights? uh. what?).

firewall: there isn't exactly a "firewall" as you're probably familiar with it. rather, the system default is unless specified, a port is not active. you just need to edit a config file to allow/disallow custom ports to listen in (but usually you can also configure this in the service's configuration itself. like MANY things in linux, there's multiple ways to do things)

antivirus: there are AV scanners for linux (and IDS as well). clamav and avg free come to mind. however, these are usually not needed at all- it's a myth that there's no such thing as a linux virus. i think seven or so have been developed. however, as i mentioned above in reference to multi-user and layering, the virii can't propogate and infect the rest of the computer and thus, won't propogate and thus, you don't contract them. in order to successfully infect a linux machine, you'd have to know WHERE to get a specific virus, and execute it from the commandline (which is something most users aren't comfortable with anyways). so ironically, the MORE you know about linux, the easier it is to infect a linux install. not the other way around, as with windows.

any other questions?

bts3685

@Irian: The more I look at this, the more I think that the gOS is for low-income users who cannot afford anything else, and would already be shopping at WalMart. But the article suggests that this would work for a basic machine for grandparents and kids. I agree with you that this would not work. Facebook and Google are already slow on a normal system. This idea is strictly for low-income families and this article stinks of marketing propaganda.

rstrb8r

I would love someone forever if they could get their hands on those Google Apps icons!

dstaley

The topic of wifi comes up a bit with Linux. It is a hassle to configure with some distros helping the novice along better than others. But this thing is a desktop not a laptop. And I doubt that they figure the machine will be far from the router/modem to begin with. This system is not for the intense computer user, not yet anyway. I know a lot of people, young and old, who don't do too much more with ther PCs than what this machine can do for much less.

quail

@TheTick: Um...no it isn't. Ubuntu can only handle unencrypted DVDs out of the box, and it can't handle mp3s, either. Both features need to be added by the user. It's extremely simple, to the point where you may not remember even if you've done it, but the first time you try to play an mp3 file, Ubuntu will ask you if you want to install the appropriate codec. gOS is handling this *exactly* the way Ubuntu does.

@wescrock: I seriously doubt playing mp3s and DVDs in gOS will be any tougher than in Ubuntu, but if it really bothers you, try Linux Mint. It's basically Ubuntu plus these 2 codecs and a better menu.

Anyone know how I can get that gOS dock bar onto my existing Ubuntu installation?

yehoni

@yehoni:

run the enlightenment window manager. there's a docker for it, i believe. :)

@rstrb8r:
facebook and google are slow on which system? linux and windows handle threading differently. 512mb is PLENTY enough RAM for surfing the 'net, no matter what site, because the enlightenment window manager (the thing that uses up the most RAM) still uses much less RAM than WinXP windowing (i have a workstation that only has 128 and it still works just fine). or even Aqua windowing on Mac, i'd venture. there's also the swap partition which, although slower transfer than RAM, still helps a good deal with caching of internet sites, caching libraries, etc. in this way, you can browse the internet quite comfortably on a system with only 64mb of RAM with damnsmall Linux. don't expect miracles, but as far as checking e-mail and news sites and just generally surfing the web, it's enough.

don't expect to run Half-Life 2 with the res and detail turned all the way up on this baby, but if you run an internet cafe, this is the perfect machine.

you can shove 4gb RAM in a box and it still won't make your internet faster. the box itself just needs to be fast enough to HANDLE the browsing. and this hardware certainly does. not many people still use dial-up but those that do are, i'm sure, aware that their internet is going to be slow and will simply be patient. broadband is NOT that expensive, and i say that as a full-time student.

and don't accuse an article of propaganda in this case without having a deep understanding of technology across the board; it's like calling the kettle black. would you trust a schizophrenic derelict on a streetcorner at midnight to give you cancer prevention advice? i wouldn't. in the same vein, you need to really understand the way both OS (as well as network protocol, etc.) work before criticizing and making assumptions. if you are interested in learning more, i'll be glad to point you towards excellent educational resources.

not trying to be a jerk or anything, i just want to make sure you have your facts straight. linux suffers enough FUD, mudslinging, and propaganda from Micro$oft; we don't need any more.

bts3685

@wescrock: It's worth noting that it's not gOS's fault if it can't play mp3s out of the box. Fraunhoffer has a "software patent" on mp3, which means that even if I'm clever enough to write an mp3 player (and how clever do you have to be? How many different mp3 players are there?) without using any Fraunhoffer software, they can still stop me from distributing my own player. Windows and Mac OS come with an mp3 player because MS and Apple paid the ransom to Fraunhoffer.

And regarding security, the best thing going for Linux desktop users right now is that Linux on the desktop is uncommon, and that makes it less of a target for crackers and worm authors. If you want to talk serious security, check out OpenBSD.

nighttimestereo

@Serendipipse: There are reasons viruses on Linux machines are extremely rare... and not because virus writers target popular OS's.

The main reasons are more fundamental: First, viruses live in executable files. You can't execute a file in Linux unless you explicitly make it executable (chmod +x...). Renaming a file to have ".exe" on the end will not make it executable.

Second, most of the time Linux users are not running as the privileged "root" superuser. (Whereas most Windows users do run with Administrative rights, and most Windows applications stupidly require Administrative rights to even start up.) Therefore, system files and installed applications cannot be overwritten or modified by the normal user or by any executable the normal user runs. Now, things like web browsers and PDF viewers can execute things without saving them to executable files. But again, these programs are run by a normal user, and thus they cannot "infect" the OS, the applications, or the other users on the system.

See [www.theregister.co.uk] .

Posco Grubb

@whiskey: @bts3685: @Posco Grubb: Thank you and also to others who commented on security and ease of use. It has been one of the main questions keeping me from Linux.

Serendipipse

I can't get the OS started from the live CD on my old computer. It goes through the green gOS screen and then to the text screen, but then goes to black. I have a feeling there may be an error on my copy of the CD, though... I'll have to try again tonight.

thoerner

@Adam Chernow: I guess, if you are a linux user that would be the choice to make. My guess would be that the average wal-mart consumer is not a linux user though.

landonmiller

You may be able to use the codecs and such from Medibuntu. [www.medibuntu.org] to get dvd/mp3 etc playback...

maczimus

"I think that the gOS is for low-income users who cannot afford anything else"

what a terribly insensitive thing to say. I know many kids that could benefit from a dinky little box with the basics on it. It's a free OS that doesn't require me to update it every few weeks. I'm really surprised by the reaction from the *buntu crowd - if i were going to dedicated a box to linux that didn't involve my job, I'd use this cartoonish operating system and give it to my kid.

curtisearl

@rstrb8r: Yes, it's such propaganda, because obviously Lifehacker has so much to gain from gOS penetrating the market. I mean, they always do Linux stuff, and never ever mention Windows and especially MacOS...

HeartBurnKid

I tried this a few days ago in VMware, it seems ok as on os. It does have this huge,ugly google search embedded into the desktop that wouldn't seem to allow itself to be removed, trust me it's a proper eyesore. I'd be willing to bet thats linked to someones goodle ads account.

The problem, imo, with ubuntu is no that it hasn't got a good interface, it's that if it 'breaks' it's a pain in the ass to get up and running and that the file system is a bit odd if you're used to MS.

minus19

@nighttimestereo:
the key here is end-user, grandma/grandpa type stuff. linux has tried to make itself friendly enough for these type of users to install and use it.

openBSD, while arguable more secure than linux, is simply too difficult for a user machine. GREAT for servers (and routerboxen, etc.) but it lacks the drive to provide for the user-level. i know BSD fanatics will disagree (you can still get X on it, and run gnome/KDE/enlightenment/etc.), and that's okay. but in my own opinion, there just isn't that level of "know little to nothing about computers" compatibility that some distros (such as ubuntu) try to address. it's also harder to find support for BSD if something goes wrong (the BSD community is a much more "elitist" group. and that's okay, because BSD is tooled to be directed FOR the elitist hacker that doesn't want the hype and popularity of linux).

but i just find the whole "the more popular foo is, the more insecure it is" argument rather weak. there are plenty of targeted linux machines out there (TRUST me. i read my logs enough to know that there are plenty of people trying to get in) and they're thwarted. if linux was less secure, we'd be hearing a LOT more about break-ins. (and when security IS compromised, it's commonly at the fault of the user i'd hazard- doing something stupid like posting a sticky note on their monitor with their password. not even BSD can save you from the ID10T security hole).

bts3685

@andrewsomething: I concur with you... My laptop is not capable of running Linux with wifi or eth support, but that is because of it's hardware not having drivers yet. If i install that same Linux on my desktop PC it will run flawless.

It's the same with OSX, where drivers do not abound. Laptop, no eth no wifi, but desktop yes, success.

My advice though would be:
- Please consider anything above 400-500 MHz, for anything less, take DSL for a spin (and place some bookmarks around).
-Don't overdo it. The idea is to keep things working alright.
-Always install the Google Toolbar on FF and add AdBlocker Plus.
-If you want the whole experience, be sure to visit a site with flash, so FF can install the flash plugin.
-MP3 support comes on when you install the Restricted Packages (which are not open source, so you have to opt in on their licenses, hence the omission of them on your install).

If the target of the PC is somebody with more experience with stuff (and if the PC is somewhat faster) then i would suggest dreamlinux (www.dreamlinux.com.br) which includes lots of good stuff, and as an added bonus it comes with a distro maker (which will let you create a livedisc out of your tweaked installation).

And if you are going to make an oppinionated guess, better not. Download VMWare Server or VirtualPC 2007 and get the isos (DSL, gOS or dreamlinux), test them first and then come back to us on how easy/difficult it is to install, configure and get it to work to your liking).

whiskey

If you've got an old system there are loads of linux distros that you could run that will probably be smaller and faster than this.

If you don't mind that then just get Ubuntu - if you want some shortcuts to web apps, well, just create them.

This all seems a little ridiculous to me, and it's just someone hoping to gain a little extra traction by hinting at a Google Operating system.

Alex Leonard

@whiskey:
excellent suggestions, whiskey, in regards to hardware compatibility. if it hasn't been mentioned yet, there are lots of great sites on how to find out if a certain hardware is compatible ( [tldp.org] and [www.linux-drivers.org] and [www.linux.org] all have great resources and references for this) with linux.

i've heard of Dream but i haven't tried it out before. it looks pretty; it'd certainly be a nice, comfortable welcome to Mac user converts (and with a little tweaking, Vi$ta converts as well. better than Vixta. Vixta made me chuckle). maybe i'll have my grandpa give it a try.

bts3685

I spent many happy hours the other night playing with virtualized gOS and found it a terrific addition to the linux fraternity.

Clean, clear interface, snappy responsiveness, easy to adjust basic settings AND more advanced ones. Managed to severely mess up the desktop (whacked a couple of panels in advanced mode) and fairly easily restored everything to normal.

I would have NO compunctions putting a grandparent on this, especially on a machine DESIGNED for the OS.

Yes, I'm running and using Gutsy in its native environment/lookfeel. gOS is BETTER for Joe Schmoe.

And, bottom line, ANYTHING that gets Linux more into the mainstream is a plus.

Now, if only I could get gOS on my eeepc... this KDE makes me cranky.

gyffes

@curtisearl:
"what a terribly insensitive thing to say. I know many kids that could benefit from a dinky little box with the basics on it."

i totally agree. heck, i could benefit from this "dinky little box" with a nice Linux distro pre-configured for me.

grandma, kids, Wal-Mart shoppers? this sounds like a nice little energy-friendly computer with an awesome (ubuntu)OS on it that would perform 90% of what people ask of their computers.

rhodius

@Serendipipse:
Regarding viruses, you can see a complete rundown on my blog, including why you might or might not need anti-virus and firewall software, here:
[ibeentoubuntu.blogspot.com]

Playing MP3s, DVDs, and just about as simple as it can be without being preinstalled. Foolow the three steps here:
[ibeentoubuntu.blogspot.com]

Finally, on an original note, I tried gOS and thought that it was quite strange that the Google search bar opens Webrunner (recently renamed to Prism), but the other web apps open in Firefox. I thought that the interfaces would be more consistent than that.

I'm not big on Webrunner, anyway, as you can see here:
[ibeentoubuntu.blogspot.com]

Daeng

daengbo

Tested it out last night on my old Fujitsu P2140 subnote and it worked quite well. Built in wifi worked w/o a hitch, widescreen lcd resolution correctly identified (1280x768), hibernate/suspend functioning, pretty snappy performance.

I haven't checked to see how it's dealing w/ the longrun feature of the Crusoe, but based on initial experience, I'll likely leave it installed.

SeT

@bnosach

Problems with Ubuntu wireless?

tehblacksheep234

I tried to use the ImageBurn software and selected the .iso image file I downloaded. It all seemed to go well until I lok at the CD:

When I look at the CD it created, start.exe, ubunto and ubuntu.ico are all 0byte files. What did I do wrong?

alanwunsche

@alanwunsche:
does the disc boot?
if not, it's possible it never burned.

1. make sure you got the entire ISO file. compare the file size and, preferrably, the MD5 hash to the ones listed on ubuntu's site/mirror.

2. sometimes iso burning software gets funny. try a couple others. there is a free roxio clone for windows called CDBurnerXP Pro ([cdburnerxp.se]), which can do MANY things- ISO exploring and burning being one of them. instructions on how to do so can be found on the dban sourceforge page: [dban.sourceforge.net] (note that it uses v.3.x of CBurnerXP Pro, not the current v.4.x however, this shouldn't be a problem as most features/menu layouts are the same).

(also, per CDBurner's FAQ,
"Q. I burned a CD or DVD, but the disc contents are not visible in the Windows Explorer.

A. Try ejecting the CD, and re-inserting it, sometimes the Windows files system will not update immediately. In Windows 98/Me a reboot is recommended.")

bts3685