On 12.08.07, In What it is, how to get it, and most of all does it work….
So,I downloaded MeeGo for my Acer Aspire 1 netbook since the Ubuntu 11.10 wasn’t wanting to run I assumed it was too great of an OS (operating System) for my netbook. It used the earlier versions Natty Gnarlwall no problem but I can’t for the life of me find the distro to download.
Anyway back to MeeGo.I have been interested in other Linux distros such as Suse,Debian,Redhat etc, and I came across MeeGo.
The MeeGo project provides a Linux-based, open source software platform for the next generation of computing devices. The MeeGo software platform is designed to give developers the broadest range of device segments to target for their applications, including netbooks, handheld computing and communications devices, in-vehicle infotainment devices, smart TVs, tablets and more – all using a uniform set of APIs based on Qt. For consumers, MeeGo will offer innovative application experiences that they can take from device to device.
MeeGo includes:
Performance optimizations and features which enable rich computational and graphically oriented applications and connected services development
No-compromise internet standards support delivering the best web experiences
Easy to use, flexible and powerful UI/app development environment based on Qt
Open source project organization managed by the Linux Foundation
State of the Art Linux stack optimized for the size and capabilities of small footprint platforms and mobile devices, but delivering broad linux software application compatibility
MeeGo currently targets platforms such as netbooks/entry-level desktops, handheld computing and communications devices, in-vehicle infotainment devices, connected TVs, and media phones. All of these platforms have common user requirements in communications, application, and internet services in a portable or small form factor. The MeeGo project will continue to expand platform support as new features are incorporated and new form factors emerge in the market.
MeeGo Projects
The MeeGo distribution is made up of many different projects, including:
MeeGo QEMU: The version of Qemu used in Meego SDK
MeeGo Multimedia: Multimedia repositories
Tracker: All-in-one indexer, search tool and metadata database
MeeGo Bluetooth: Bluetooth components including BlueZ, obexd, etc.
MeeGo Cellular: Components providing cellular support in MeeGo
Meego Security Framework: Security Framework repositories
MeeGo Developer Tools: Developer Tools and Utilities
MeeGo Handset UX: MeeGo Handset User Experience
MeeGo Netbook UX: MeeGo Netbook User Experience
MeeGo OS Base: MeeGo Base OS Software
MeeGo IVI UX MeeGo: In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) User Experience
MeeGo Applications: Applications for various User Experiences
MeeGo UX: MeeGo user experience repositories across all device categories
MeeGo Middleware: Refer to the MeeGo Architecture for more details
You can find more information about the MeeGo projects on Gitorious. However, not all MeeGo content will be hosted there because a lot of MeeGo projects are upstream including the Linux kernel (kernel.org), freedesktop, and others. You can get even more information about how all of these projects and the upstream projects work together by visiting the MeeGo architecture page.
Okay, enough of that on to my personal review of the OS.
It was very simple to install, however I have a Flash drive that I am still trying to clear up from burning the .img file on to it but- that’s another issue.
The UI is extremely basic, you have your tool bar across the top that has access to the basics…. IM, Social networking, (only has facebook and Smugmug as options though) Applications that are pre-installed, devices (for when you plug in your Ipod as an example), Wifi date & time and then your log off button.
In myzone it has your friends recent newsfeed from Facebook, appointments & tasks, and recently used applications.
The internet explorer is Google Chrome which I personally prefer over firefox or any other browsers available.
From what I’ve seen my 8 year old would have no problem picking this netbook up and using with out a hitch.
To me, its basically a Operating System designed around simplicity and social networking. I will probably post a new article about MeeGo once I’ve been using it for a few days and see how well it goes.
MeeGo IVI home screen from MeeGo 1.1 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
English: Meego Netbook UI Español: Meego Netbook UI (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
