A Look at Intel's New Linux Desktop: Moblin 2.0

Moblin 2.0, Intel's new Linux desktop for netbooks is currently still too new to be considered a "beta," but overall this new version of what a desktop can do for users is showing great potential.

The business of operating systems is about to have another fierce competitor as Intel moves in to compete with it's once partner Microsoft. In order to be successful and competitive Intel needs support from the Linux community; therefore Intel is not looking to make Moblin into Intel Moblin but wants Moblin to be Linux's Moblin.

Moblin takes a new approach, rather than providing applications Moblin offers functions from a top menu that remains invisible until you require its use. Therefore, when you boot Moblin you are not bombarded with a desktop overloaded with icons. The applications that you use frequently and appointments you set remain the same. The interface, also known as M-Zone wants you to utilize your internet functions as quickly as possible.

Please do not get functions confused with applications. Intel attempts to make the applications unseen. The M-Zone interface offers the luxury of being able to view your social networks such as Facebook and Twitter without having to open the Web browser.

Moblin's goal is to allow users to use the internet as they always have, without letting operating systems and applications get in the way of that. Moblin will allow the user to keep functioning as they always have, with the least amount of interference. Moblin wants to make things as effortless as possible for users, you can instant message a friend or throw in a video and Moblin is trying to make this as simple as possible for users. Moblin is not without applications, for instance it has a spreadsheet application and a word-processing application, but these applications are not confusing, highly complex office suite tools.

When working with Moblin you do not have the traditional desktop, you have what are called zones, which are virtual desktops created as you go along. With this new option you have the ability to keep Web activity in one zone and you can be working on something else by creating another zone; which many sound complicated but is actually very easy.

Moblin provides users with an attractive look and it is very easy to use. Long time Linux users beware; some of the applications that you are used will not have the same options. The nice thing about these changes is that they do make Moblin super fast.

At this elementary stage in Moblin's development, it is not quite ready and doesn't work right on all aspects. There are some challenges, for example Flash is not installed as it should be and it doesn't appear that installing Flash will be easy.

At this point the only people that I would recommend Moblin to are those who like an intense technological challenge. If Moblin does function as it has been predicted; we may be looking at a really successful product and fantastic year for Linux netbooks.