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What is it? Jolicloud is a Linux distro built for netbooks. A very easy to use OS that offers so much in a little package.

They offer two install options, one for a very simple installer that creates a dual boot with Windows which is the one I tried (Jolicloud Express-PreFinal), more details below and one that is an image file with note "You will benefit from the fastest boot and hibernate experience." I will have to try that one later.

The dual installer worked wonderfully, installed with Windows XP home on a HP mini 1000, the installer automatically sets aside some space for the installer, mine said 3 gigs was enough. The installer also configured the drivers, which is a wonderful thing in itself, everything worked out of the box once complete.

I would almost compare using it felt like a mobile OS but not in a bad way, lack of multitasking or slowness, but because when it came time to install apps it was as easy as logging into the cloud and clicking the app or service you wanted and a minuet or so later it was installed and ready for use. Very easy.

There are multiple apps available ranging all over the spectrum of web services and the OS will auto checks for updates and notifies you when ready to install.

By default you have Chromium web browser, Firefox, Facebook and some others I can't remember.

The multitasking was really good I thought, even liked it more than Windows, at the top left of the screen icons will appear each time you opened a app which made switching between them very easy. I was able to open multiple apps with no hiccups. Very nice indeed.

The preferences and setting options are really good, everything seemed to be included no lack of options. Almost felt like using Windows control panel. Which is nice for people coming from Windows.

The OS file management was really good, you can even access your Windows files from the other partition and auto detecting my WD external HDD worked great.

The media player worked, didn't really like it as it felt Windows Media Playerish to me.

One of my favorite features is the CPU management, I did not run any test to see if it improved battery life but was nice to know it was happening. The OS will auto clock down your Atom CPU when not needed, my 470 went from 1.6GHZ to 800MHZ. The auto screen adjustments worked nicely as well. Did use the sleep options a lot and unlike Windows XP seemed to work great.

My only issues I come to see was when using apps, like the Facebook app, I missed having a back button. Also after updating the system failed to open the cloud page and the updates page and later told me I had low disk space, an issue I think as it told 3gigs would be good in the beginning.

I am really happy to have a Windows alternative made for my netbook, faster boot is so nice. Can't wait to see what 1.0 brings. I have tried MeeGo, review for that later, and this for sure does a better job.

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