Netbook Software

Netbooks typically include a pre-installed operating system, either a custom version of a GNU/Linux or Windows XP Home Edition. Many advanced users can be found heavily active on Internet forums discussing the installation of their choice of operating system (such as Ubuntu Netbook Remix or Windows XP Professional). Various netbook manufacturers are said to be catching on, and now pre-installing Ubuntu Netbook Remix. Netbooks are capable of running full office applications; however, users often rely on applications and services available on the Internet (known as cloud computing) instead, as there are usually fewer hardware requirements.

While Windows XP should have been replaced on all new computers by 2008, the upcoming netbook series with limited capabilities did not fulfill the requirements for Vista. Thus Windows XP Home is still available, currently extended from June 30, 2008 until June 30, 2010.

Microsoft qualifies ultra-low cost personal computers (ULCPCs) as systems matching the following hardware classification requirements:
- Memory: Shipped with 1 GB RAM or less
- Screen: 10.2" or smaller
- Storage: 80 GB (although this limit seems to be increased up to 160 GB for HDD by now) or 16 GB SSD
- No tablet PC functionality
- DirectX version 9 graphics processing unit (GPU) or below
- Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) S4 sleep state is optional

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