Symbiose is a free Linux based operating system which you can install on your web server and then access it using your browser from anywhere in the world, where there’s Internet connection of course. Local area network access is also possible, or you can use the WebOS installation from the Symbiose website. With the help of this operating system you can edit documents, collaborate with friends and even watch videos.
Similar software: Web Desk, WMWare Work Station.
Screenshot above shows us only part of the interface of this free web based operating system. Fans of Linux will probably recognize that this is the famous Gnome Shell interface, which is the default interface of Gnome 3 desktop environment. Desktop background of Symbiose suggests that this web OS is based on Ubuntu, but of course it’s a stripped down version of Ubuntu. It is Ubuntu, with only the basic applications. Key features of Symbiose – free web based operating system are:
- Fully featured web based operating system – with fullscreen mode
- Can be downloaded or used online right away on the Symbiose website
- Registration is possible which allows you to upload and store files
- Comes with text editor, Dropbox and Google Drive client, FTP access
- Play media, you can watch videos with video presentation software
- Simple to use and understand – based around Gnome 3 with Gnome Shell
Like we already mentioned, there’s two ways how you can use Symbiose. The easiest way of how you can try this free web based operating system is by using the live install on the Symbiose website. Those who want more control can download full installation and set up Symbiose on their own servers. Here’s a few pointers to help you get started.
How to use Symbiose – free web based operating system
From the Symbiose homepage you’re gonna have to click the Web OS button. This will open up the interface of the live installation inside your web browser.
In the top right corner click on Guest >> Register and new window will appear where you can register an account. With the account you can upload documents, save preferences and fully enjoy in all the tools.
One of the things that you can do with Symbiose would be document editing. On the image above you can see gedit text editor in action. Libre Office Writer is also available, but note that these are stripped down versions of these text editors. You can connect Google Drive, Dropbox, and you can also install additional application by using the Software Center.
Conclusion
Symbiose offers a very interesting service which can be used in a lot of different ways. If you’re for example on a computer with restricted access that only allows you to use the web browser, you can use it to access your very own web based operating system, and still do work there. Everything was fast, easy to use. With the help of the software center you can install additional software. Give it a try and see how it goes. Free download.
