Current statistics indicate that over 95 percent of viruses, spyware, and other types of malware, are designed and targeted to attack Microsoft Windows. And, the route by which the majority of malware spreads, and intrusion attempts take place is the Internet Browser.
It seems reasonable to make the point then, that if you’re not running Windows while surfing the Net, but instead, you’re running an alternative operating system, you shouldn’t have to unnecessarily worry about malware, viruses, and spyware.
Regular readers might recall that I do most of my surfing using Linux; specifically Ubuntu. And yes, I’m aware of of all the counter arguments that surround this choice – “security through obscurity”, “Linux is built from the ground up with security in mind”, and on and on.
None of the various contentious points of view really make much difference to me. The reality is straightforward – all statistics indicate that surfing with a non-Windows system can reduce the malware risks Windows users have to contend with.
If you are leaning towards running an alternative to Windows, while interacting with the Net, then Splashtop OS, a Linux driven Web centric, (Chrome focused), specialty operating system (which coexists with Windows), and is close to “instant on”, – about 10 seconds to boot and reach the Net in my tests, is worth taking for a spin.
Splashtop, (in beta currently), was initially designed to run on specific HP systems only, but it can now run on virtually any Windows system. Following installation, (from within Windows), on subsequent boots you will have the opportunity to boot into Splashtop, or Windows, through a boot menu.
Booting back into Windows once you’re in Splashtop, is “one click” simple.
You won’t get lost during the install which is very straightforward.
On completion of the install process, you will have an opportunity to gather additional information.
and perform a number of setup tasks.
The desktop is rather plain, but given that Splashtop has been designed as a Web centric OS, it’s still very functional.
Fast facts:
FAST: Starts in seconds — way before Windows
EASY: Featuring Instant Search, powered by Bing
SAFE: A Linux-based platform running Chromium
READY: Includes Adobe Flash Player pre-installed
PERSONAL: Choose from thousands of Web Apps, extensions, and themes at the Chrome Web Store, and install the ones you want
SIMPLE: Your existing Windows bookmarks and Wi-Fi Settings profile can be imported from Windows into Splashtop OS
CONVENIENT: Visual Bookmarks show thumbnails of recently visited web pages (or can be hidden if desired)
CUSTOMIZABLE: From the Status Bar, check the status of network connections, volume, power supply; or open the Configuration Panel and then set your preferences
FLEXIBLE: If desired, you can exit Splashtop OS and boot to the Windows OS at any time
Running Splashtop will allow you to surf, and interact with the Internet as you normally would – including interacting with instant messaging, email, music, photos, documents, gaming, etc. And, it really is virtually “instant on”.
Additional details available at the developer’s site:
Using features of the Web Browser
Using the Splashtop OS Configuration Utility in Windows
Using the Boot Menu (unsupported computers only)
Announcements and Frequently Asked Questions
More information at the Splashtop OS web page
Download at: Splashtop
Bill Mullins' Weblog - Tech Thoughts 