Web Operating System

Vikram A.Bodke
Tushar Tarle

Abstract:

An operating system (OS) is a special kind of program

that organizes and controls computer hardware and
software. Operating systems interact directly with
computer hardware and serve as a platform for other
applications.
Web OS refers to a software platform that interacts
with the user through a web browser and does not depend
on any particular local operating system. Web OS provides
basic operating systems services needed to build
applications.
One note characteristic of the web OS is the capability
to connect and access to storage like local disk on server.
In addition, it is accessible from anywhere with net
connection. This makes web OS very mobile as people can
use it everywhere.
Our project aims at developing web OS that handles
all client side data on the server through web.
 CONTENTS

Name of Contents Page no

1 Introduction
2. Architecture of Web Os
3 Working of Web Os
4 Specification of Web Os
5 Advantages & Disadvantages
6 Future of Web Os
7 Application
8 Reference
 1. Introduction

Web OS designed to work exclusively with web

applications. One note characteristic of the web OS is the
capability to connect and access to storage like local disk
on server. In addition, it is accessible from anywhere with
net connection. This makes web OS very mobile as people
can use it everywhere.
The web browser becomes the primary application
interface through which the user views content, performs
services, and manages data on their local machine and on
the Web (e.g. Firefox, Safari, or IE).
Web server is a must; a local Web server is used to
handle the data delivery and content display from the
local machine to the browser.

2. Architecture

a three-tier architecture: firmware, browser and window

manager, and system-level software and userland services.[44]

• The firmware contributes to fast boot time by not probing for

hardware, such as floppy disk drives, that are no longer
common on computers, especially netbooks. The firmware
also contributes to security by verifying each step in the boot
process and incorporating system recovery.[44]
• System-level software includes the Linux kernel that has been
patched to improve boot performance. Userland software has
been trimmed to essentials, with management by Upstart,
which can launch services in parallel, re-spawn crashed jobs,
and defer services in the interest of faster booting.[44]
• The window manager handles user interaction with multiple
client windows much like other X window managers
3. Working of Web Os
OS's user interface include using minimal screen space by
combining applications and standard Web pages into a single
tab strip, rather than separating the two. Designers are
considering a reduced window management scheme that
would operate only in full-screen mode. Secondary tasks
would be handled with "panels": floating windows that dock
to the bottom of the screen for tasks like chat and music
players. Split screens are also under consideration for viewing
two pieces of content side-by-side. OS will access remote
applications through a technology , which would resemble
like Microsoft's Remote Desktop Connection.

4. Specifications

Hardware support :
OS is initially intended for secondary devices like netbooks,
not as a user's primary PC,[19] and will run on hardware
incorporating an x86 or ARM-based processor.[9] While OS will
support hard disk drives.

Media player:
Web os integrate a media player into both OS and the
browser, enabling users to play back MP3s, view JPEGs, and
handle other multimedia files while offline.
 Link handling:
One unresolved design problem related to both OS and
the browser is the desired behavior for how Web applications
handle specific link types. For example, if a JPEG is opened in
browser or on OS device, should a specific Web application be
automatically opened to view it, and if so, which one?
Similarly, if a user clicks on a .doc file, which website should
open: Office Live.

5. Advantages and disadvantages

1. The major advantages of Web OS are its impressive

speed.
2. The fact that there is virtually no local program to load,

the startup time for Web OS is expected to be in seconds

rather than minutes. Unlike Windows which uses up a lot
of the system's resources, operating system is designed
to be light-weight and efficient.
3. They will instead be stored at dedicated servers; users
will have anytime access to their data and programs
4. Users will no longer have to install antivirus programs
to protect their computers.
5.Only need is high speed internet service provider.
7. Future scope
1. To use resources more efficiently.
2. Increase and implement the user friendly programs.

8. Applications
• Applications (Industrial or Commercial):
Web OS is ideal for diskless workstations which don’t
have RAM and hard disk, they only have LAN card installed
in them. Hence they can just be used by providing the IP
address for accessing our system.

Web operating systems offer users the benefit of

accessibility - data isn't tied down to your computer. Thus
it can also be used in following areas:

- Businesses of all kinds

- General users

References

www.chipsilicon.com
www.en.wikipedia.org
www.manufacturing.net
www.computerworld.com