Moblin is an exciting new Linux distribution that stands alone due to the fact that it is designed for netbooks, specifically with the atom processor.  it is an extremely easy to use OS (Operating System) and is faster than anything I have ever tried before.  It’s visually pleasing with animations and sliding toolbars, but that doesn’t change the performance at all.

Moblin is distributed as an .img file, that has to me “byte copied” to a flash drive to use (See http://moblin.org/documentation/test-drive-moblin/using-moblin-live-image for more details).  Then you simply have to plug in the flash drive and choose the option to boot from the flash drive.  Moblin will then boot into it’s “Live Mode” which runs completely off the flash drive, with no changes made to your hard drive.  This give you a chance to try it before you actually install it alongside your current Operating System.

The system has all of the main options listed within tabs, which includes access to your calendar, email, web browser, social networks, music, etc.  Anything you would normally use in Windows, just a lot easier (and nicer looking).

It is a free OS and is Open Source software, so that the source code is available to anyone that wants to view it, change it, and compile the system yourself.  People are encouraged to join the community, and if you find a bug or have a question, there is a strong community of people to help you, and get the software fixed, without the mess of a corporate conglomerate’s tech support department.

Moblin is available to download from http://moblin.org/downloads.