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Netbooks have become a popular computing option in the past few years, and for good reason. Inexpensive, portable, and durable, they cover the basic functions that most non-gamers use their computers for with room to spare. Several operating systems are available that have been specifically tailored to netbooks. Windows 7 starter, in the way of Windows, has the lion’s share of the market. In fact, Windows even extended the availability of XP and then created a discounted licensing option for Windows 7 specifically aimed at the netbook market, to prevent less expensive options from taking hold.
Google offers the Android platform, which was compatable with the original Eee PC and was expected to be the foundational software for a number of netbooks – until it was announced that the upcoming chrome OS will be filling this niche instead. Meego is another mobile phone based option. MAC OS seems to work pretty well on netbooks, a fact that Apple has been none too enthusiastic about, as it takes advantage of their software without requiring users to invest in their hardware.
The real range of opportunities here is found among the Linux-based options. Offerings range from the Xandros-based Eee PC software that was an option in from the earliest releases, through Debian Eee PC, Leeenux linux, Easy Peasy, Aurora, CrunchBang Linux (especially designed to run with minimal hardware requirements), Firefly Linux, Kuki Linux, Midinux, Midlin, Eeedora, and on to the netbook edition of Debian. Some of them are optimized to particular machines, particularly the Eee PC, which recieved bountiful open source attention from the start. There’s even Pupeee Linux, which is designed only for Eee PC. However, many are suitable for all netbooks, and have excellent support communities in place. Be careful to chose a distro of Linux where the support community is able to update the functionalities you need as quickly as you need them. Other than this caution, Linux is a great choice for netbooks.
