Peppermint - A new Linux based Cloud OS

With the release of Google's ChromeOS, there has been a shift towards development of light-weight, cloud-centric web based operating systems. Peppermint seems to be something similar, focused on cloud computing and web applications, it is based on Lubuntu and uses some configuration files of LinuxMint, may be thats why such a name. Peppermint Developers released a closed private beta last week and they are planning to make it publically available within 2-4 weeks after sufficient testing has been done.

With the increasing mobility in a regular Intenet user's life, Peppermint is built keeping in mind the need for speed, efficiency and mobility. Peppermint makes use of LXDE, a light weight Desktop Environment, most suitable for such cloud Operating Systems and light weight systems like netbooks. It aims to be easy for Linux Users, boots pretty fast. Since, its made to run web applications, you don't need to install software packages, just boot and begin.

Actually there have been a few Linux based cloud OS already - Jolicloud, gOS and even ChromeOS was built upon Linux Kernels.

So, what new does Peppermint provide? It uses the Prism technology of MozillaLabs to easily run web applications as native computer apps. Because of Prism you can run web applications in separate windows and not clog a single browser window with multiple tabs. Web apps can be configured to display status messages and notifications, you can start them from system taskbar. Being a closed Beta release as of now, nothing more can be said, but lets wait for it to get public.

Peppermint OS is the work of two software developers working along side in Astral IX Media. Kendall Weaver, the maintainer for LinuxMint Fluxbox and LXDE editions. Shane Remington, the project manager who provides support with web development, marketing, social network integration and product development.