Note OS Pro

Note OS Pro is a freely distributed and open source operating system based on the Linux kernel and designed for netbook computers. It offers a unique approach to and introduces a wide range of revolutionary features. It’s a lightweight, professional, useful, mobile and simple to learn distribution of Linux.

Distributed as a dual-arch Live DVD

Note OS or Notebook OS is distributed in multiple editions, Pro and Lite. The Pro edition reviewed here is distributed as a Live DVD ISO image that contains only software packages optimized for 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x86_64) computers. The Lite version of Note OS is also available for download on Softoware, separately.

Boot options

The Live DVD ISO image has approximately 730 MB in size, requiring users to write it on a DVD disc or a USB thumb drive of 1GB or higher capacity, which will be called a bootable medium. When booting the ISO image from the BIOS of your computer using this bootable medium, you’ll notice some boot options, allowing you to start the live system with support for 32-bit or 64-bit architectures, activate the verbose mode, boot in safe graphics mode or safe mode, as well as to start the live system by copying the contents of the ISO image to RAM.

Unique graphical desktop environment designed for notebook computers

As mentioned, Note OS has been designed from the ground up to be deployed on notebook and netbook computers, which means that it has a unique graphical desktop environment, different from what you’ve seen so far. Its layout uses a single, transparent panel located on the upper part of the screen, allowing users to interact with running apps, access various functions and applications, as well as the system tray area.

Comes pre-loaded with some basic applications

Besides a file manager, support for multiple workspaces, numerous accessibility options and its own Control Center app, Note OS comes pre-loaded with some basic applications, such as image viewer, timewatch, keypad, calendar, webcam viewer, music player, clock, addressbook and web browser.

What is new in this release:

• Navigable Home menu fix - In 7.2.0, the items may not be read. This update attempts to solve this.
• Direct login - When Note OS starts up, 7.2.2 no longer requires clicking the Home screen to begin, which removes 2 known bugs and makes starting Note OS simpler.
• Rox Filer is now default - This update removes Cmdfiler and makes Rox Filer the default file manager for all applications.
• Utilities mapped to Prefs Center - When you open Audio or Wifi prefs, since alsamixergui and wpagui are included in Note OS 7.2.2, clicking these preferences now will automatically open the included utilities for better control.
• Removed welcome app - Since Note OS 6, a welcome slideshow has played upon logging in, which opens Help. 7.2.2 removes this for faster startup. To get Help, you can still open it from the Home menu as usual or with Meta+H.
• Workspaces tip - When you launch the workspace viewer, Note OS presents a quick tip for switching between applications on first launch.
• Smarter energy - Energy will only ask to start if the Applications launcher or Prefs Center are opened and the Energy preferences button is now mapped to the new extender.
• Desktop settings - Clicking the desktop now allows you to change display settings or the wallpaper.
• Button and header fixes - The package manager and home assistant buttons could only be found in the Applications launcher if maximized, as the headers were not well designed. 7.2.2 compacts the header to display the buttons.
• Battery fix - The battery icon is now shown with an "i" for info rather than a value to avoid confusion, since it is static.
• Retired Connector utility - As this app does not function well, a message will now display asking users to use cloud solutions instead when opened.
• Wallpaper fixes - Setting the animated set is clearer, the shuffle button is clearer, and solid colors are now grouped into palettes to make it easier to set different shades. Wallpaper preferences now includes a top header with a button to return to Prefs Center.
• Lock screen tweak - The lock screen requires a mouse to unlock it. Now, this is displayed on it to make it clearer to users.
• Alerts fix - The alarm app now tells you what time the alarm was scheduled and why it is going off. The notification now also appears as a dialog, rather than a pop-over, so that tablet users can close it.
• Installer 1.2 - The installer has been repaired to fix problems in this release that prevented installation in previous Note OS 7 releases.
• Elevation fixes - Patches to Installer and other utilities have been applied to help provide better control.
• Notecap 2.0 - Now, stop and start screencasts on demand, and open screenshot folders, with an all-new redesign of the app that is clearer to use and more modern. You can also open GPaint to start and save drawings as well.