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A Firefox PC operating system?

Lost amid the hubbub of the Saturday afternoon appearance by Firefox's Blake Ross at Gnomedex was a very interesting comment to Ross from Brian Livingston of Windows Secrets. Here's what Livingston said:

"What I would like to see as the roadmap is not adding more features to Firefox, because it's a good browser, but if you had a development cycle for a Firefox OS, and you had 10 percent of the computers in the world going out with Fire OS on it, then we would see some improvements in this corporation in Redmond. Because they don't improve and they don't innovate unless they have somebody taking apart their market share. You could do that. You have the developers and you have the innovation. You have the energy and the excitement. ... We have Ubuntu and we have Linux ... but you could really do something that looked like Windows, worked better than Windows. Microsoft installed spyware called Genuine Advantage to 100 million Windows users in April, May and June. They're just starting to fall back from that, but people would trust Firefox and Mozilla far more than they trust the Microsoft Corp. with the integrity of their computers."

It's not the first time the question of a Firefox operating system has come up, and it surely won't be the last. On stage at Gnomedex, Ross acknowledged Livingston's comments and moved on without addressing them directly.

To be clear, Ross and Joe Hewitt aren't saying what their new venture involves, so any speculation at this point is purely that. But it's interesting to think about Livingston's comments in the context of a couple of Ross' responses to some of my questions the day before -- in particular the motivation and philosophy for Firefox, and his reason for being especially wary of talking about the new venture with a Seattle newspaper.

After Gnomedex, just to cover my bases, I followed up and asked Ross directly whether the project involves creating a new PC operating system. He again politely declined to say anything about the startup just yet. So it remains a mystery. But at the very least, it should be an interesting one to watch unfold.

Posted by at July 5, 2006 11:45 a.m.
Categories: Gnomedex, Internet Explorer, Windows

Comments

#8006

Posted by unregistered user at 7/6/06 1:43 a.m.

why should they go through the outrageous task of going through the XUL stuff and then not take advantage of it. :)

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#8008

Posted by unregistered user at 7/6/06 2:00 a.m.

"but people would trust Firefox and Mozilla far more than they trust the Microsoft Corp. with the integrity of their computers."

I would say just get an Apple computer. They're a lot more stable than Windows and are based on Unix anyway.

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#8009

Posted by unregistered user at 7/6/06 2:06 a.m.

Apple is by far the best OS out there at the moment, however to get 10% (or More) of redmonds share, it is crucial that the OS can run PC software. Apple is halfway there with bootcamp, but the first company to do it seamlessly and cheaply will overturn the applecart (sorry for the pun).
Tugger

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#8011

Posted by unregistered user at 7/6/06 2:54 a.m.

... Market domination by Apple would be even worse than Microsoft, as not only is the OS prorietary, but you would have so much less choice regarding hardware as well. Competition is a good thing.

Apple will never achieve this 10% because they are relatively expensive machines.

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#8012

Posted by unregistered user at 7/6/06 2:55 a.m.

I'm totally intrigued by this!
Firefox revolutionised the web browser... lets hope they revolutionise the operating system too.

Im excited folks.

www.wirah.com

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#8013

Posted by unregistered user at 7/6/06 3:25 a.m.

I thought they were leaning towards a browser based OS?
www.noodlekids.com/forum

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#8014

Posted by unregistered user at 7/6/06 4:11 a.m.

An OS that looks like Windows is already being developed:
www.reactos.org

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#8015

Posted by unregistered user at 7/6/06 4:46 a.m.

I see the comment "just buy an apple" often in these discussions. What I don't think the apple owner's understand is that not everyone WANTS to own apple hardware. I'm quite content running Ubuntu on my "peecee", not worrying about malware and not having to spend a dime on proprietary hardware and software. You love apple computers? good for you that's called having a choice. Think before you type!

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#8016

Posted by unregistered user at 7/6/06 4:58 a.m.

And why not using http://eyeOS.info ?

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#8018

Posted by unregistered user at 7/6/06 5:15 a.m.

Google and Firefox have such a great relationship they should team up and create a great PC compatible OS. I know that Google has shot down this idea in the past. They have branding that the general public trusts. While ReactOS may be Window XP compatible who knows and trust them? No one.

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#8023

Posted by unregistered user at 7/6/06 6:08 a.m.

Windows, as of XP SP2, is actually not a terrible platform. That's the real problem...

OSX, while it may look nice, seems to be nothing more than a glorifies linux/bsd installation with severe limitations on configuration with more than a slight nod towards 13 year old teeny boppers. Sorry folks, Apple really isn't that great, and I'll go so far as to say that the intel based macs are less stable than XP SP2 on a P4 - based on corporated experience.

A Firefox OS is not what we need, there are already too many choices. The best solution to this issue is for Vista to be everything it's supposed to be. Unfortunately it won't and the cycle continues....

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#8026

Posted by unregistered user at 7/6/06 6:43 a.m.

Firefox OS? It's called linux.

Open source is here and now. Stop acting like it's some far off distant dream. I'm running it. I use it every day. It hasn't crashed or been compromised in ages.

Stop living in the past and join us in the present.

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#8027

Posted by unregistered user at 7/6/06 6:49 a.m.

The "Firefox OS" is a vague hype. The media still doesn't get it: Firefox is built on the Mozilla XUL platform.

If there actually will be an OS built on top of XUL, it won't be called "Firefox OS", because:
1) Mozilla Corp doesn't want to abuse its trademark
2) If third-party developers actually did build an OS on top of XUL, they won't be allowed to use the Firefox trademark anyway

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#8032

Posted by unregistered user at 7/6/06 8:39 a.m.

That will be great. Having an option of Firefox OS would be so tempting and will give Vista good competition. It's all about simplifying things on the PC, and Firefox wins hands down on this fornt. They have a great reputation of improving "the most used PC application- The Browser" so we can expect a great OS from Ross Blake & Company. :)

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#8043

Posted by unregistered user at 7/6/06 9:46 a.m.

I think gone are the days of installing a new OS on your machine every year or so. You have to understand that everytime you want to do a major update or change the OS, you will probably have to do a reformat. With the days of 500GB hardrives, most people aren't looking forward to doing this. I think the reluctance for users to change OS will increase as time marches forward. I may be going against the grain with most people but installing a OS is much harder and destructive than installing a new app. Keep this fight in the web (2.0) arena.
www.stlloftstyle.com

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#8070

Posted by unregistered user at 7/6/06 1:17 p.m.

I do think it would be nice to have another player in the OS wars, competition is good. And with the right minds at work it may also turn out to be a good OS.

http://www.TopComedySites.com

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#8072

Posted by unregistered user at 7/6/06 1:27 p.m.

ReactOS is THE FirefoxOS, and it is already available!

* compatible with Windows XP applications and drivers
* open source (GNU GPL license)
* completely written from scratch (not linux based!)
* does run Firefox 1.5 Win32 version
* not bloated, only about 20 MB download
* LiveCD, InstallCD and VM images available

www.reactos.org

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#8077

Posted by unregistered user at 7/6/06 2:37 p.m.

hahaha... browser... browser software is not even 1% as complicated as lets say.. hmm.. excel?

two guys will give us new OS? ... come on... get real... there is only one company right now capable of making new OS. you know which one im talking about :-)

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#8082

Posted by unregistered user at 7/6/06 3:27 p.m.

hahaha... browser... browser software is not even 1% as complicated as lets say.. hmm.. excel?

try again fella. browsers are _extremely_ complicated. every try reading a w3c spec?

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#8086

Posted by unregistered user at 7/6/06 4:17 p.m.

"OSX, while it may look nice, seems to be nothing more than a glorifies linux/bsd installation with severe limitations on configuration with more than a slight nod towards 13 year old teeny boppers. Sorry folks, Apple really isn't that great, and I'll go so far as to say that the intel based macs are less stable than XP SP2 on a P4 - based on corporated experience. "

I have NERVER had any problems with my Intel Mac. Macs are the BEST computers on the planet. How many virus or Spyware do you get on a mac? NONE.. There built better and give you better support then any other PC maker out there... As they say if you get a cheap PC machine you will get a cheap product that you spend more fixing then a Mac would cost.. and the Anti Virus programs you have to buy every year... There is no limitations on configurations... I can put what ever I want on my mac. When the new Intel Power Macs come out you can do what ever you want with them memory processor ect.. Plus the 90% of users don't really care about upgrades anyway they just want to use there computer.. I am a PC tech... I know all the crap people deal with.. In order to use a PC with windows on it you have to be a computer security expert.. and about 90% of users are not. but still run windows now how dumb is that. =) Then complain to me "I got a virus.." cry cry cry

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#8097

Posted by unregistered user at 7/6/06 8:45 p.m.

WGA is spyware?!?! Yeah, right. All you folks pining away for an alternate OS should just call it like it is: you want a free OS and are afraid you won't be able to steal Windows anymore. "The game is getting tougher for the deadbeats." Indeed. Sure, go play with your "free" OS...you'll pay the price.

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#8098

Posted by unregistered user at 7/6/06 8:52 p.m.

"I have NERVER had any problems with my Intel Mac. Macs are the BEST computers on the planet. How many virus or Spyware do you get on a mac? NONE.. There built better and give you better support then any other PC maker out there..."

ahem...

I have NEVER had any problems with my Intel PC. PCs are the BEST computers on the planet. How many virus or Spyware do I get on a PC? NONE.. They are built better and give you better support then any other PC maker out there...

I know, because I built it myself. Um, know anyone who ever built a Mac? I sure don't. A friend of mine spec'ed out his "dream" Mac...for $7,000. I spec'ed out a better PC configuration BY FAR for about $3,000.

End of friggin' story, Macofiles.

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#8104

Posted by unregistered user at 7/6/06 9:54 p.m.

eysOS rocks!

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#8110

Posted by unregistered user at 7/6/06 10:44 p.m.

Mac OSX is just Apple profiting off FreeBSD. Anyone who uses it is aiding and abetting software thieves!

Windows just gets worse! Well, NT was good, but only because of software they stole from IBM. Then they extremely funked it up with XP. And now Vista... makes me vomit.

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#8114

Posted by unregistered user at 7/7/06 3:39 a.m.

"Mac OSX is just Apple profiting off FreeBSD. Anyone who uses it is aiding and abetting software thieves!

Windows just gets worse! Well, NT was good, but only because of software they stole from IBM. Then they extremely funked it up with XP. And now Vista... makes me vomit. "

Microsoft is doing the same thing. maybe not BSD. but Apple made Mac OS 9 + Next + BSD = Good looking and Easy to use... IF google were to create an OS and try to make $$$ on it it would be the same thing. The problem is google needs to have GOOD GUI designers. We should know that google does not have a good record for designers to make things look good looking and easy to use.

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#8269

Posted by unregistered user at 7/9/06 7:54 p.m.

Who is his guy.....? and is he nuts...?

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#9632

Posted by unregistered user at 7/30/06 10:30 p.m.

A Dream project of mine...'ve launched it in http://code.google.com/p/gimbalz/

gimbalz...

A web application platform, presentation and integration system which will give new dimension to WebApps correlation, usage and viewing...

A browser killer application...

Web browser UI is not meant for accessing WebApps...

Web browser doesn't provide synchronization among WebApps...

Gimbalz provides the solution to the above problems and much more...

Gimbalz enables WebApps to dock...synchronization among WebApps thru API...central repository storage option...cutomization...

A small summary of the plan...firefox platform can be reused with essential changes as the model to build a new WebApps friendly UI and docking station...develop an effective WebApp API for better synchronization, control and flexibility...

In a world where the future we all know would be WebApps...we need a platform for WebApps like we had with Linux to tackle proprietary dominance...

Developers plz dont think its not fair to develop for a new platform...docking XUL Apps can be achieved with minimal effort...some of the existing firefox extension can also be reused with little effort...the syncronization among WebApps only will take extra effort for the WebApp developer...but synchronization among WebApps is something which will work wonders...

A seizable community of firefox developers,extension and theme writers do exist...if we can all work together and build Gimbalz...I beleive this would be the beginning of the next war(WebApps)...after the much hyped OS and the browser one...

if u have any queries...plz do get in touch with me thru get2navin@yahoo.co.in or navinsylvester@gmail.com...

Lets build the next Linux...

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#22158

Posted by unregistered user at 1/24/07 7:25 a.m.

I don't know much about PC's but I do know that these systems that are out there, are dominating what you can do and who do you trust, but they are not trustworthy in my experiences with the windows as of today the past when I would load the updates at my conveniences my computer went crazy and then I downloaded the update and it cleared it up like a new computer. What I would like to see for all PC users to have a free working system that has not been stolen from others or copied from others this would be a great opportunity for all PCers. Thanks to all who meet the highest expectations. I would try this one regardless to the cost and not be hacked to death by no one. Now thanks for the opportunity to voice my thoughts.

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#26926

Posted by unregistered user at 3/15/07 3:59 p.m.

If viruses don't exist on the Mac, then Symantec wouldn't be selling anti-virus software for it. heh

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#44141

Posted by unregistered user at 8/1/07 11:53 p.m.

True, and if Macs really were that safe, Apple wouldn't end up bundling up the OS with a firewall. The only reason Windows gets so many more viruses and spyware than Macs is because of their larger market share. Who'd want to create a virus for the Mac if you could get 6x more people if you created the virus for Windows? Why spy on the Mac minority when you can hit more people by aiming at Windows?

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#53009

Posted by unregistered user at 9/19/07 12:28 a.m.

Really intetesting as firefox is going to run OS. i really love firefox as a web browser lets see what happen to this Os

http://www.sharpsourcing.com

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#69043

Posted by unregistered user at 11/22/07 4:07 a.m.

Thank you

besiktas

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#71579

Posted by unregistered user at 12/1/07 3:07 p.m.

http://wwwr10net-kuresel-isinmaya-hayir-seo.kozlucakoyu.net/

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#71633

Posted by unregistered user at 12/1/07 7:48 p.m.

www.resimlerii.com

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#78335

Posted by unregistered user at 12/23/07 3:35 a.m.

www.youtobest.net thank you

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#79522

Posted by unregistered user at 12/29/07 4:43 a.m.

www.kizsitesi.com thanks you

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#80386

Posted by unregistered user at 1/1/08 4:48 a.m.

forum.vatan.tc

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#90688

Posted by unregistered user at 1/26/08 7:19 a.m.

yes internesting a post.

http://www.zevliporno.com

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#104099

Posted by unregistered user at 3/3/08 10:29 a.m.

Linux owns Windows and MacOS.

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#137788

Posted by unregistered user at 6/11/08 4:17 a.m.

Great article for newbies, thanks for sharing
SEO Company Ahmedabad
Web design India

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