What would be the role of Linux in web-based operating systems?
Web Platforms
Could Mozilla's announcement of the Boot to Gecko roadmap, along with the continued development of other web-based operating systems, make the Linux distro you're running less important than the desktop environment?
One of my earliest exposures to the real future of web development was at a Netscape conference in Manhattan, where I remember one of the company executives explaining that very soon, the operating system would not be the platform on which applications would be written, but rather the browser.
That was in 1996. At the time, I had very little conception of what the Netscape people were describing. I don't think I was alone; it would be another half decade or so before the idea of web-based apps would even start to be seen and, even then, in the form of "active" pages and "dynamic HTML."
The idea of a truly web-based platform for applications hasn't quite taken off even today. The Linux-based Chrome OS is a near thing, and although many apps are indeed running from the web, native apps can still be installed.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Related content
-
Future Platforms
Could Mozilla’s announcement of the Boot to Gecko roadmap, along with the continued development of other web-based operating systems, make the Linux distro you’re running less important than the desktop environment?
-
Linux Foundation Announces Linux Developer Network beta
On August 7, Brian Proffitt, former Managing Editor of Linux Today and the new LDN Community Manager, announced the beta release of the Linux Foundation's Linux Developer Network.
-
Mozilla Rolls Out 2011 Firefox Roadmap
Mike Beltzner, Mozilla Developer, rolls out the 2011 Firefox roadmap.
-
Netscape Navigator 9 for Linux
AOL has just released a new version of Netscape Navigator based on the Mozilla Firefox browser just like its predecessor. Besides cross-platform capabilities, and thus Linux support, version 9 adds new features and a new look.
-
Mozilla Lets Fly Next Thunderbird Beta
The Thunderbird mail client has reached its next stage with a beta on the way to 3.0.
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
-
Linux Mint 22.3 Now Available with New Tools
Linux Mint 22.3 has been released with a pair of new tools for system admins and some pretty cool new features.
-
New Linux Malware Targets Cloud-Based Linux Installations
VoidLink, a new Linux malware, should be of real concern because of its stealth and customization.
-
Say Goodbye to Middle-Mouse Paste
Both Gnome and Firefox have proposed getting rid of a long-time favorite Linux feature.
-
Manjaro 26.0 Primary Desktop Environments Default to Wayland
If you want to stick with X.Org, you'll be limited to the desktop environments you can choose.
-
Mozilla Plans to AI-ify Firefox
With a new CEO in control, Mozilla is doubling down on a strategy of trust, all the while leaning into AI.
-
Gnome Says No to AI-Generated Extensions
If you're a developer wanting to create a new Gnome extension, you'd best set aside that AI code generator, because the extension team will have none of that.
-
Parrot OS Switches to KDE Plasma Desktop
Yet another distro is making the move to the KDE Plasma desktop.
-
TUXEDO Announces Gemini 17
TUXEDO Computers has released the fourth generation of its Gemini laptop with plenty of updates.
-
Two New Distros Adopt Enlightenment
MX Moksha and AV Linux 25 join ranks with Bodhi Linux and embrace the Enlightenment desktop.
-
Solus Linux 4.8 Removes Python 2
Solus Linux 4.8 has been released with the latest Linux kernel, updated desktops, and a key removal.