Review Ubuntu Netbook Edition: The ideal OS for your netbook?

Preinstalled and personalised applications
We previously saw that the quick menu associated with the launching of applications (Netbook launcher) provides very quick access to the main applications. In reality though, do all of these applications cover a user’s needs? Without spending hours on this subject, we think that the answer is mostly yes. When looking, you will find all of the same programs available on Ubuntu Desktop, with the applications kit already been well developed (OpenOffice.org, Gimp, Transmission, Firefox, Empathy, Evolution Mail, Gimp, Shotwell, Ubuntu One, Gwibber, Totem, Terminal…). A user familiar with the system will be able to change the appearance and the dashboard in the same way as Ubuntu Desktop. It is unfortunate though that it’s not as easy to add favourite applications to the file launcher as it is to delete one (right click, remove from launcher). Here, the simple drag-drop isn’t available and you have to use the Terminal (a little difficult for a novice user, right?).

The installed applications remain unchanged
The interface is well adapted and is very reactive, with everyone agreed on this. But is it as easy to install apps as it is in JoliCloud OS for example? Firstly, you should know that all installed applications are visible via the icon of the same name. The six current categories cover all domains (Accessories, Internet, Office, System...). To add additional applications, you simply need to click on the Ubuntu Library icon. If you have an idea about what you are looking for then enter the corresponding keyword, and if you can’t find the results you want then take a look through the themes and click on the install button. It’s no more complicated than that – if all criteria are met, then no problem. It should be noted that experienced users can also call on Terminal and the "sudo apt-get install" command line or the Synaptic packet manager.

In use, will this really change in comparison to less specific OS’?
The workspace and the desktop have been well optimised. Having said this, the netbook launcher and dash board can be automatically hidden as well. This will provide you with more space when it is required. With Ubuntu Netbook Edition, you quickly realise the importance of work spaces and their usefulness. Intuitively, you open a word processor in a window, an email client in a second, web browser in a third and multimedia player in a fourth with it then being possible to switch between the windows via the "Ctrl+Alt + Direction Arrow" key combination.