Both Google and Microsoft are making big promises about browser app - based environments that appropriate you to access document , spreadsheets , calendars , contacts , and more , all in one place online . But so far , it ’s not only open how these system of rules will work or what they will be able to do . Google ’s Chrome OS , for example , will be designed principally to get you online faster .
But why do you involve a Google OS when you already have access to so many of Google ’s on-line dick – such as Google Docs , Gmail , and Google Reader – all of which are available from any browser app on any operating organization ? Microsoft Office 2010 , meanwhile , will let you access entanglement versions of Microsoft ’s renowned suite of productiveness applications – that is , it will be a Web - based suite that will compete directly with Google Docs .
While we wait for the big guns to set up those products , a good identification number of service already admit you to put your own computer in the cloud for complimentary . Most of the product I look at are foretell Webtops , program suite that try out to give you the look and feel of a regular figurer screen background within a Web web browser app .
Many Webtops let you store filing cabinet and media online , bring through web web browser bookmarker , and access a assortment of Web apps such as word mainframe , spreadsheets , and presentation software from almost any web browser . Some of these Webtops have been around for several years , while others are younger upstarts still trying to work the bugs out . But all of them take dissimilar approaches toward the nomadic and virtual tricks that will almost surely characterize productivity - app platforms of the future .
I took several of these cloud - based system for a warm spin to see how the future is shaping up . Let ’s start with the two that impress me most .
Glide OS
Transmedia ’s Glide oculus sinister make a strong screening compared with other Webtops . Glide has a variety of functional creature that can help you get things done , whether you ’re working alone or with an online group . A basic Glide bone explanation is gratuitous , and includes 10 GB of detached online storage and the ability to sum up to six users under one account . A pay selection cost $ 4.95 / month or $ 49.95 / year for up to 25 users divvy up 25 GB of computer storage . You ca n’t add more users , but you could add more storage in 25 GB increments for $ 4.95 each .
Glide had by far the quickest inauguration and response time out of all the online systems I try . The Webtop has applications for word processing , spreadsheets , presentations , calendar , and address al-Qur’an , plus a Web - site detergent builder . The company say its software patronise compatibility with over 250 filing cabinet format , and you could make online meetings among Glide OS user you ’re connected to . The Webtop also supply granular control that have you decide who you want to deal your document with and how often . Glide also offers an e - mail software that utilise both the POP and IMAP standard , and has an integrate search puppet featuring connection event from Ask.com . Other applications include a basic exposure editor in chief and a music musician . The productivity suite , include e - mail , word processing , and other apps , can also be plug into within Glide ’s new rightfulness - based societal networking service , Glide Engage .
Glide is divided into three sections : the screen background , your on-line file scheme ( called Glide HD ) , and the Glide Portal that lets you access Web capacity within Glide ’s surroundings . These three sections are a great way of life to pilot within the Web - free-base scheme and are easy approachable from the top of the browser app screen . However , I find the Portal to be a fiddling on the gimmicky side . Within the Portal are bookmarks for site relating to full categories like business enterprise word , political newsworthiness , general news show and current event , wellness , sports , pets , and more . The Portal view also has a customizable pedigree ticker running across the top .
Also , I discover the performance of the Glide Portal to be a footling inconsistent , depending on the browser app you employ . link to news tale , for example , were dead when I examine Glide Portal with Firefox 3.5 and Safari 4 , render the Portal essentially useless . When I tried it in Google Chrome for Mac I was able to sail to external links from the Portal , but the tidings sum-up I witness in Firefox and Safari were depart . I should observe that Google Chrome ’s Mac reading is still in developer preview , and therefore is n’t an ideal way to test a Web - base armed service .
With Glide you could also grab media such as a document , video , music file , or even a Web link from the Portal , and use that media in a variety of activeness . you may , for example , add a news tale to meet notes , e - mail the story to touch or create a group treatment Sir Frederick Handley Page around it . integrate medium with other actions could be a handy feature ; but to be honest , it finger like another gimmick to me , and I ’m not so indisputable it ’s all that useful in the real world .
Glide OS has a sync app for your local desktop , and a mobile app that works with over 100 devices including Windows Mobile , Symbian , BlackBerry , iPhone , and Android handset .
Pros : 10 GB Free repositing , multiple exploiter account , nomadic app , wide multifariousness of productivity and playtime applications , good search integration and well - designed file system .
Cons : A few gimmicky features such as the Glide Portal , no instant messenger , no full screen view , and no ability to change the nonremittal search engine away from Ask .
gratuity : Glide OS has some eff displayissues with Internet Explorer 8that require some adjustments to the Registry to touch on . If you ’re not comfortable with make Registry change , you ’re ripe off using a different Web web browser like Firefox , Opera , Chrome , or Safari .
Try Glide o
G.ho.st
A joint undertaking between Israeli and Palestinian coder , G.ho.st is based on Amazon ’s S3 WWW services and recently move out of its alpha phase angle into public beta . G.ho.st take to be the world ’s only truthful Web osmium , since the service say it can lick openly and seamlessly with leading third - party vane applications such as Google Docs and Zoho . G.ho.st has a lot of promise and some very operational tools , but it ’s not quite as polished as I ’d hop , and the experience was a little inconsistent and buggy .
When you tap a screen background item , for example , it tends to stay put highlighted until you tap it again . That can become distracting and hard to reckon at , once all your screen background token are highlighted . At one point I also had an vexing trouble with G.ho.st ’s keyboard cutoff . The characteristic malfunctioned , make it impossible to hit letter like ‘ n ’ or ‘s ’ without do G.ho.st to carry out a unconscious process like write a file or freshen the Web Sir Frederick Handley Page . Needless to say , this made G.ho.st impossible to use ; however , over the several days that I assay out G.ho.st , that malfunction happen only once , and I was capable to fix it with a web browser refresh .
On the plus side , G.ho.st arrive with all variety of goodies , let in 15 GB of innocent storage ; support for 24 dissimilar default nomenclature ; a good file - sync manager ; a mobile earphone Web app ; your own G.ho.st - branded e - mail with POP support ; an MP3 histrion ; an integrated Flickr search tool ; an exigent messenging app with reinforcement for AOL , Gmail , Yahoo , and MSN protocol ; quick - launch access to a miscellanea of vane search and info site including Google , Yahoo , and Wikipedia ; and a spacious library of app you could employ to customize your G.ho.st screen background .
G.ho.st also has the best in - environment World Wide Web web browser of all the service I assay out . It will store your cookies and surf history so you may get at them anywhere .
G.ho.st uses theZoho online office suitefor its nonremittal productivity applications , and the programs can be reckon within the environment . you may also deliver and access files from your Google Docs account , and can even broadcast a papers instantly to Microsoft Office diligence on your desktop . The only downside to G.ho.st ’s office suite is that it does not have a PDF reader .
pro : Offers a whopping 15 gigabit of free storage ; encompassing documentation for various productivity file data formatting ; a good e - mail putz that permit you to create date from einsteinium - chain mail ; boast a drag - and - drop naming maker ; a tabbed web internet browser and MP3 thespian .
bunko : No reinforcement for the PDF formatting . If you are going to use G.ho.st , be prepared for the casual fault , but know that most trouble can be fixed with a internet browser refresh .
Tip : G.ho.st ’s homepage is in Hebrew by default . In the address bar , just switch “ he ” for Hebrew at the final stage of the URL to “ en ” for English so you could navigate the internet site more easy .
attempt G.ho.st
Startforce
Although it lists itself as a public beta , Startforce is one of the strongest performing artist among Webtops , with its own readiness of branded web apps for word processing , spreadsheet , and presentation . It also has an e - mail client , in - environment entanglement internet browser , audio player , and IM client , and it comes with 1 GB of liberal storage . One of the big advantages of Startforce is its riotous response time , but a meaning downside that I found during my examination is that Startforce does not work well with Apple ’s Safari Web browser app .
Pros : degenerate answer clip , customizable Windows environment , 1 GB of gratis storage .
gyp : In my tests on a Mac , the Java - based uploader would not work , so I could not get files onto my Webtop . Also , StartForce works only if you shut down all other receptive Web varlet in your web browser . Once the Webtop is up and running , you could utilize other internet browser tabs again .
try out Startforce
AirSet
AirSet is not as functional as some other Webtops I ’ve find out , but overall it ’s a pretty good experience . AirSet ‘s most full - sport app is its Web publication software , which can help you create a WWW site , blog , photo album , or newssheet . But Airset miss other berth essential such as apps for word of honor processing and spreadsheet .
Airset also has a contact and calendar manager that can sync right away with Outlook , and an IM customer as well as 1 GB of liberal online storage . But AirSet does not support Microsoft Word ’s “ .doc ” data formatting . AirSet also has a group function that reserve you to collaborate with other AirSet users ; however , this is a for - pay function that is not available in the free service .
Pros : lookout calendar and contact synchronize ; practice a Java applet or HTML interface for uploading ( both are excellent ) ; 1 GB of free depot , $ 2 per month for every 5 GB after that ; AirSet mobile app tolerate for great access ; customizable desktop .
Cons : Webtop is advertising - supported , so you mislay some screen space ; bare - bones productivity sustenance with no spreadsheet or presentation software . AirSet does not substantiate the .doc format – only introductory text Indian file and WYSIWYG ( What You See Is What You Get ) . undecomposed IM client , but it requires a manual signaling - in for each overhaul , even though it memorizes your watchword .
Tip : When I started up AirSet I get a warning that the Webtop does not officially support Firefox 3.5 , but that I should prove running it anyway . AirSet officially supports Firefox 3 , Safari 3 , and Internet Explorer 7 .
Try AirSet
ajaxWindows
Of all the Webtops I tried , ajaxWindows is the one that most closely emulate Windows ( with Startforce come in a close second ) .
The ajaxWindows desktop automatically opens up in full - screen mode , but its in - surround vane web browser go out a draw to be trust . Instead of open up up fresh Page within the practical computer , ajaxWindows keep directing me to a new internet browser window . But I could n’t see the raw windowpane outside the ajax environment , because the Webtop was in full - concealment mode . Redirecting Web Thomas Nelson Page outside the environment is a common problem in Webtops .
ajaxWindows has its own applications for presentations and word processing , but nothing for spreadsheets . If you do n’t desire to use ajax ’s Web apps , you could habituate prompt - launching icons to access your Google and Zoho written document out of doors of the practical electronic computer . The Webtop will also mechanically contract you up for 1 GB of free depot with Box.net , computer - to - cloud syncing with SyncWizard . For medicine you get a free MP3 memory locker from MP3tunes . Ajax ’s MP3 player then use your data file stored with MP3tunes to play music in the Webtop surround .
Although Ajax Windows signs you up for these repositing services , you will have to lumber in the first clock time you expend them . AjaxWindows also comes with customizable background gizmo .
Pros : 1 GB of free storage ; uses Meebo as IM client to support wide range of IM protocols ; integrated with other service including box.net for storage and MP3 footlocker for euphony storage . Ajax - branded productiveness software package , and quick - launch access to Google and Zoho service of process .
Cons : Poorly designed Web web internet browser ; no in - surroundings support for spreadsheets ; plug - in required for Internet Explorer .
Tip : Internet Explorer user are required to download a male plug - in for ajaxWindows to work . apply Firefox rather .
Try ajaxWindows
Prism
We ’ve spent most of this clause focalize on Webtops that take you to the cloud . Prism Mozilla , on the other hired hand , does on the button the reverse and bring the cloud to your desktop . Prism is a Mozilla Labs experiment , uncommitted as a tolerate - alone program or as a Firefox add - on that allows you to create local vane apps on your personal computer ’s background . I tried out Prism by create local versions of Gmail , Meebo , and Google Docs app . The app can be send as an ikon on your desktop or in other locations on your system , look on your OS . With Prism , your choices of applications are virtually measureless ; as such they would work well for Linux or Windows users with empty systems who want to prefer for Web apps instead of open - source or commercial software package .
I was disappointed with Prism , however , because I ’d hop to make vane apps I could put on a thumb effort and embrasure around to whatever arrangement I bump to be in front of . regrettably , at the present moment Prism is n’t contrive to do that , and I do n’t know of any other services that are . But if Mozilla could forecast out a way to have Prism create quick - launching apps of your favorite vane sites and service that you could carry with you , Prism would be a more relevant and usable organisation than it is right now .
pro : riotous entree to your World Wide Web apps without opening a internet browser ; Acts of the Apostles and feels like a desktop program .
Cons : Using too many Web apps at once can put a drain on your processing business leader . Not an entirely practical solution when so many other on-line services are available .
test optical prism
iCloud
Created byXcerion , iCloud ( in public genus Beta ) is optimize for cyberspace Explorer , with a Firefox version presently in alpha . I did most of my test on Mac using Firefox , but for this Webtop I also hop over to a Windows machine to give iCloud a try on Internet Explorer .
At first coup d’oeil , iCloud seems to be tailored to the amateur user , with an app for learn on-line TV , a internet of online word group , and an instant electronic messaging app with support for MSN , AOL , ICQ , and iCloud ’s own IM protocol . ICloud also has the best full- screen functioning out of all the Webtops I tried , giving you a more authentic desktop feel even though you ’re in reality working online .
productiveness apps in iCloud are fairly basic : They admit presentation computer software , a to - do list , and personal budget tracking . All word processing is done in Rich Text Format , with a Microsoft Word convertor for uploaded ‘ .doc ’ files . ICloud also has a calendar and contacts manager , and you get your own iCloud e - mail account with IMAP support . No spreadsheet financial support is currently available .
Pros : sluttish to employ , responsive software . near full - filmdom financial support .
Cons : teasing Vista - style widgets take up screen space ; productiveness cortege is circumscribed .
adjudicate iCloud
cmyOS
cmyOSis based on the eyeOS cloud operating system . If you ’re looking for a bare - finger cymbals system that still maintains a reasonable amount of functionality , then cmyOS just might be the Webtop for you . cmyOS has a Word of God - process app , but no spreadsheet or presentation software . Other diligence include a calendar and a touch manager , as well as a limited in - environs Web browser app .
In short , cmyOS works well , but it does n’t have a lot of features . At the same fourth dimension , I did n’t run into any of the barrier I have with G.ho.st . I also matte cmyOS has its precedency for Web apps straight , unlike AirSet , since it concentrate on Web publishing or else of a Book CPU or spreadsheet political program .
Pros : on-line coaction ; no - nonsense Webtop focused on productivity .
Cons : Limited functionality compared with other Webtops ; in - environs web browser limited to YouTube , Yahoo Messenger , Google , Facebook , and Flickr . repositing blank not specified . No support for spreadsheets or presentations .
Try cmyOS
Astranos
Clearly a Mac - inspired founding , Astranos stands for Astra is Not an Operating System , and , boy , they are n’t kidding . The bare - bones Webtop features a bizarre mix of an OS X Tiger - style sour grass ruffle with Windows 95 coating windows . And what Astranos miss in style it does not make up for in functionality . The only apps on this Webtop include a notepad and an IM client . Astranos is also a little barmy , exhibit mystifying error messages whenever you call up some of its applications .
Pros : Has notepad function , IM guest , and 1 GB of free computer memory from Dropboks ( no relation to Dropbox ) .
bunco game : Extremely minimum , not much functionality .
Tip : Unless you ’re a fan of Tetris ( one of the games available on Astranos ) , you might require to steer clear of this Webtop .
seek Astranos(no login ask at startup )
My predilection
Out of all the Webtops I sample , the two standouts were Glide OS and G.ho.st . Both have the largest storage capacity , and they offer a wide mixed bag of applications for work and play . If I had to choose between the two , I would work with Glide operating system for now , since it has the fastest response time and the fewest problem . But I also care what I ’m seeing from G.ho.st , and even though I find some irritating microbe in the beta version , I think it will be a capital service once all the kinks are worked out .
last thought
For my tests I used a MacBook running Mozilla ’s Firefox web browser app , and I also tested a few of these services on a Windows machine to see if there were any differences . With the exception of iCloud , which was specifically design for IE , I retrieve few deviation execute the Webtops on Windows or on a Mac . This is a full sign since a Web - establish organization involve to be approachable from whatever operating organisation you happen to be using .
One of the most bothersome aspects of the Webtops I tested was their inclination for the web browser app to switch out of the Webtop surroundings and back to your regular web browser app . This happened most often when I was operate a Webtop in full screen modality , when there was slight understanding to escape the Webtop space for the standard web browser environs .
Despite that complaint , Webtops are a great way to store files for which you need ready access . More importantly , Webtops can give you a familiar body of work surround that looks the same whether you ’re work at your abode computer , or remotely from a borrowed or public data processor . They wo n’t be replacing your traditional background anytime shortly , but Webtops – the ones that run swimmingly and that offer a reasonably panoptic program set – can relinquish you from the scuffle ofcarrying your apps and data aroundon a laptop wherever you go .
