Open Source Cloud computing By Jasper Kumar

What is open source cloud computing? Open source software is software whose source code is published and made available to the public, enabling anyone to copy, modify and redistribute the source code without paying royalties or fees. Open source code evolves through community cooperation. Cloud computing is Web-based processing, whereby shared resources, software, and information are provided to computers and other devices on demand over the Internet (The cloud) from online storage e.g servers so open source cloud computing is open source software used in conjunction with cloud computing, for example an open source operating system which provides services through the cloud.

Jolicloud is an Open-Source Linux based OS which uses cloud computing services to backup and transfer data. It is a standalone OS and can be run alongside windows or on its own. Jolicloud is built on top of Ubuntu 9.04 (Jaunty) Netbook Edition. Jolicloud was designed to run on net books, the main focus being on hardware with limited resources, disk storage and screen size. It automatically downloads all the latest drivers it needs to provide ease of access so you can use it on the go. Its free with over 700 apps available. Easier access to files if you don’t have constant access to the one machine, using the power of the cloud. Very quick, light OS. Uses web-based applications to save disk space and resources. Completely web-based OS

Compatibility? For a complete list of all net books compatible with Jolicloud, please go to Most netbooks will run jolicloud without any troubles, Jolicloud claims the OS supports 98% of netbooks with out-of-the-box compatibility. Jolicloud can be run alongside windows using dual boot or on its own.

Scenario I have been asked to implement Jolicloud for use in a small classroom. This will be fairly simple as all that’s needed is: Hardware – Each person needs a net book compatible with Jolicloud. Jolicloud Software – This is free from the Jolicloud website, choose which type of implementation is needed (Either dual boot with windows or the Jolicloud OS on its own using a USB or ISO – I would recommend a dual- boot with windows as most users are familiar with windows and certain apps that may be needed might not run on Jolicloud.) Register your copy of Jolicloud after installing the OS and your good to go! Each person registers with their own username and this profile can be managed from any html5 web browser (e.g google chrome) or any PC with Jolicloud running on it, to access files and apps which have been stored on the cloud. Internet Connectivity – An internet connection is a must as Jolicloud is a web- based OS and all of its apps and its cloud-feature depend on internet connectivity.

The Hardware we’ll be using: The Lenovo Ideapad S10 is provided by the government for free to students in year 9 and they keep it till they finish year 12. This will be the hardware used in this particular scenario since it is already available. (Retail is $368) Most netbooks are compatible with Jolicloud. Jolicloud can be installed alongside windows using the windows installer (16MB then downloads a Jolicloud installer using a GUI), or using a boot USB/ISO (689MB). Jolicloud is installed on a separate partition and does not affect windows in any way. Jolicloud recommendedLenovo S10 CPUOptimized for Intel Atom Diamondville e.g. N270, N280 Intel "Diamondville" Atom Processor N270 Single Core (1.60 GHz 533 MHz 512KB) Display7", 9", 10" and more Supports all standard netbook resolutions. 10.2" WSVGA AntiGlare TFT, 1024x600 GraphicsIntel 945GSE with video chipset GMA 950 Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 (64MB shared) NetworkingEthernet 10 Mbit/s Fast Ethernet (100 Mbit/s) Gigabit Ethernet (1 000 Mbit/s) IEEE a/b/g/n Broadcom BCM5906M 10/100 FastEthernet & Broadcom BCM b/g Wi-Fi StorageInternal HDD or SSD Flash disks i.e. USB keys, memory cards External HDD and optical players 80GB or 160GB 5400 RPM SATA Not all specs are shown on this table, for more detail go to

Support? There is an incredible amount of support available for Jolicloud on the web, the Jolicloud website has its own support section and a wiki with links to various forms of support, such as known issues and how to work around them, and a forum.

Pros and cons of using jolicloud Pros: Easy to use Can utilize the cloud (access anywhere,anytime) Optimized for netbooks (shrinks web pages to fit screen etc.) Very resource friendly Free updates Can dual boot or carry the OS on a usb stick (4Gb) Cons Single point of failure (no internet, no access) Cant install applications you would usually install on a windows machine Not as many supported formats Not as customizable as other OS’s Reliability? (Cloud?) Security Privacy Limited cloud space?

Conclusion Jolicloud is a new experimental type of OS, and it wouldn’t hurt to give it a try since its so light and takes such a small amount of disk space, its portability and ability to switch computers and still get your files from the cloud is definitely a handy feature however some may question its reliability as it needs internet access for full functionality as it is not a local based OS.

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