Windows4all

Windows4all is a Microsoft Silverlight based Mockup of an online virtual operating system (sometimes called a Web OS or a Webtop or a cloud computer). It is a website that pretends to emulate an operating system inside a web browser.
Overview
Windows4all.com partly replicates the desktop environment of a modern operating system. It provides a consistent interface whether it is accessed from a home computer or from a remote public computer. Applications may be launched without installation.
Windows4all.com is web-based and requires Silverlight 3 to operate. Applications run in Silverlight’s security sandbox. By default code is restricted from accessing the file system or doing anything that could hurt user's machine. Besides desktop, taskbar, start menu and sidebar, currently it includes such applications:
* File Explorer
* Internet Explorer
* Video Player
* Rich text editor
* RSS reader
* Virtual PC
* Chat
* Notepad
* Paint
* Calculator
* Games like Chess, Solitaire, Spider etc.
The system also supports installing program functionality. This programs should be developed in Silverlight and be available in Internet or local file system
Key characteristics
Advantages
* Convenience and freedom. A personalized desktop is available and accessible from any computer in the world.
* No more administration. Software installations, software updates.
* Entertainment. Being online, windows4all.com offers more opportunities for communicating and entertainment.
* Cost. It is freeware.
Drawbacks
* Application Features. Delivered applications may not contain the full feature set of their traditional desktop counterparts.
* Network Access. Web desktops require access to a network. If the client device is misconfigured or the network is unreachable then some applications are out of work.
* very limited scope, as this isn't a full OS, only a mockup, its not a Microsoft product, so expect limited support.
* Needs Windows to work, Silverlight is in principle also available for MacOS, but because Windows4All only works with IE (with Silverlight) you need Windows to use it. Its not possible to run it as a stand alone system without Windows.
* Only runs Silverlight applications, it's not possible to run Windows applications, you can only add applications written in Silverlight.
Community
Windows4all.com community is formed with the Windows4all Forums , twitter community and the Windows4all Application Communities, available at Windows4all-Apps website hosted and provided by openDesktop.org as well as cnet.com.

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