Moblin: Radically Different Netbook Distro
Small Wonder
© Yang MingQi, 123RF
This alternative desktop is designed specifically for computers harboring Intel's Atom processor.
Almost all currently available netbooks have one thing in common: They are powered by Intel's Atom processor designed specifically for low-cost, ultra-portable devices. To help hardware manufacturers and users get the most out of machines based on the new processor, Intel launched the Moblin project [1], a Linux-based operating system heavily optimized for the Atom chip. The goal of the project is not only to build an OS that boots and works fast, but also to design a radically new and more efficient interface. Although it was conceived by Intel, the Moblin project is now managed by the Linux Foundation. Moblin is still in beta, but it's pretty usable and gives a good impression of what you can expect from this new distribution.
Getting Started
Moblin is distributed as an image file that you can directly write to a USB stick by running as root:
dd bs=4096 if=path/to/imagefile of=/path/to/usbdrive
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.