How Web OSs Operate

As the Web continues to progress, new terms emerge to describe its features and functions. Occasionally, a term becomes widely used even if some consider it inaccurate or misleading. This is the case with the term Web operating systems.

An operating system (OS) is a specific type of program that manages and controls computer hardware and software. Operating systems work directly with computer hardware and provide a foundation for other software. Whether it's Windows, Linux, Unix, or Mac OS X, your computer relies on its OS to operate.

This is why some people argue against the term Web OS. A Web OS is a user interface (UI) that grants access to applications hosted entirely or partially on the Web. While it might replicate the UI of traditional computer operating systems like Windows, it does not interact directly with the computer's hardware. The user must still have a traditional OS on their device.

Although there are only a few choices for computer operating systems, the same can't be said for Web operating systems. Numerous Web operating systems are available, some offering an extensive variety of services, while others are still in the works, offering only limited features. In certain cases, a single dedicated programmer is behind the project, while other Web operating systems result from the collaboration of a large team. Some are free to use, while others require a fee. Web operating systems come in all forms and sizes.

What do Web operating systems actually do? Continue reading to find out.

What are the functions of Web operating systems?

Web operating systems serve as interfaces to distributed computing systems, especially cloud or utility computing systems. In these systems, a company offers computer services to users via an Internet connection. The provider manages a network of computers that includes application servers and databases.

In some systems, users access applications through Web browsers like Firefox or Internet Explorer. Other systems require users to download a program that creates a system-specific client. A client is software that retrieves information or services from other software. Regardless, users interact with programs stored not on their local computers but on the Web.

What kinds of services do Web operating systems offer? They can grant users access to nearly any application they would typically use on a desktop computer. Common examples include:

With traditional operating systems, you'd need to install applications directly on your computer. These applications would be stored on your computer's hard disk drive and run by utilizing the computer's central processing unit (CPU), sending requests to the system's OS for processing power.

Web operating systems cannot replace your computer's native OS — in fact, they rely on traditional computer operating systems to function. The user-facing aspect of Web OS software, whether it's a Web browser or a system-specific client, operates on top of your computer’s OS. However, Web operating systems are designed to mimic the appearance and behavior of a desktop OS. While a Web OS may resemble a traditional OS, it doesn't manage your computer's hardware or software.

A Web OS enables you to use applications that aren't stored on your computer, but on the Web. These applications reside entirely or partially on Web servers within a specific provider’s network. When you save data in an application, you might not store it on your computer; instead, the information is saved to Internet-connected databases. Some Web operating systems also allow you to save data locally to your computer's hard disk.

Since Web operating systems are not bound to a specific device, you can access Web applications and data from any device connected to the Internet. As long as the device is capable of running the Web OS software (whether it’s a Web browser or client), you can access the Web OS. This means you can start working on a document on one computer, save your progress, and later access it from a completely different machine. Web operating systems offer the convenience of accessibility — data isn't restricted to just one computer.

What powers a Web OS? Continue reading to uncover more.

The Technology Behind Web Operating Systems

Given the variety of Web operating systems available or in development, it’s no surprise that developers take different routes to achieve the same outcome. While the aim of a Web OS is to deliver an experience akin to using a desktop OS, there are no fixed standards for how to accomplish this. The two most common techniques rely on Flash or Asynchronous JavaScript and XML (AJAX) technologies.

Flash is a suite of technologies that allows developers to create interactive Web pages. It uses vector graphics, which capture image data as a collection of shapes and lines, rather than individual pixels. This approach enables Flash images and animations to load more quickly compared to pixel-based graphics.

Flash files are streamed over the Internet, meaning that the end user can access parts of the file without waiting for the entire file to download. For Flash-based applications like YouTube’s video player, this allows users to start watching a video without having to wait for the full download.

More than 98 percent of all Internet-connected computers have Flash players installed [source: Adobe]. This widespread availability makes Flash a popular choice for developers, as they can create a Web OS that can be accessed by the majority of users without requiring additional software downloads.

AJAX technologies make use of hypertext markup language (HTML), the JavaScript programming language, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), and eXtensible Markup Language (XML). It's a browser-based technology. HTML consists of markup tags that developers use to instruct web browsers on how to present text files as web pages. CSS offers developers more flexibility in customizing a website's design. By creating a style sheet with specific properties such as font style and color, developers can apply these styles across multiple web pages. JavaScript enables applications to exchange data between servers and browsers. XML is a markup language that helps developers define the structure of information in a file and how it connects to other data.

The "asynchronous" part of AJAX refers to its ability to send data in small chunks between servers and browsers as needed. This method contrasts with sending an entire web page each time something changes, which would drastically slow down the user experience. A skilled programmer can use AJAX to create applications that function just like desktop applications.

Like Flash, most computers can run AJAX applications. This is because AJAX isn't a new programming language; it's a technique for using existing web standards to build new applications. As long as a programmer includes the appropriate code in the application, it should run smoothly on all major web browsers. Popular web applications built with AJAX include Google Calendar and Gmail.

What makes a Web OS appealing? Keep reading to discover more.

Why Opt for a Web OS?

Web operating systems streamline the experience of accessing applications stored on remote servers. A Web OS is designed to work similarly to a desktop OS, making it easy to navigate and quickly learn. When a user selects an application to run, their computer sends a request to the system's control node, a dedicated server that functions as the system's administrator. The control node processes the request and connects the user's device to the appropriate application server or database. By shifting the burden of applications, storage, and processing power to a distant network, users are spared the need for frequent computer upgrades.

For many users, this is one of the most attractive aspects of Web operating systems. As long as their devices can run the necessary browser or client software, there is no need to upgrade their hardware. Many people find it frustrating when they are forced to buy new computers just to keep up with software updates. In distributed computing, the responsibility of maintaining the functionality of applications falls on the provider. If the provider fails to meet user needs, they might seek services elsewhere.

Web operating systems also simplify data sharing between different computers. For instance, if you have both a Mac and a PC, transferring data between the two can be a hassle. Even with file formats that are compatible with both systems, you might end up with duplicates of the same file on each computer. Modifications to one file won't automatically update the other copy. Web operating systems offer an interface that enables you to use any computer to create, modify, and access a single version of a file stored on a remote database. As long as the Web OS supports cross-platform functionality — working on both Macs and PCs — you'll be able to edit and access your file from either device at any time.

Web operating systems also make collaborative work easier by allowing multiple users to share files. Each person can access and work on the same file stored on the system's central network. This approach is an attractive alternative to managing different versions of the same file and merging everyone’s updates into one version.

At present, Web operating systems aren’t as advanced as traditional desktop OS. However, some users believe that Web OS platforms offer just enough functionality to compete with conventional desktop software suites. If providers can address issues like performance gaps and security concerns, we could see a major shift in how computer networks operate.

For more information on Web operating systems and other related topics, be sure to visit the links on the next page.