LivePC

LivePCs are virtual PCs that you can create and share. A LivePC encompasses an operating system and a complete set of software determined by the publisher of the LivePC. Currently, many LivePCs are available that deliver bundles of open-source software to home PC users. A LivePC has two segregated components, the system environment and the user environment. The system environment can be updated by the publisher of the LivePC to push software updates, security patches, or new content to the users who have subscribed to it. The subscribers to a LivePC maintain their own store of user files which do not change as a result of system updates. Whenever a LivePC boots, it rejuvenates the contents of the system environment. This removes any spyware or viruses which may have infected the virtual system.

Virtualization technology has not seen many consumer application because of the high level of complication involved in running a virtual machine. moka5 delivered the LivePC technology in [http://www.moka5.com beta] form to the public in late 2006. Their software allows users to bring a set of virtual machines with them on an iPod or USB memory stick. Personal files move with the portable device, but they are also backed up to a host machine in case the portable storage is ever lost.

The LivePC engine is being used to deliver open source software based on Linux (among other operating systems) to broadband users without requiring immense technical knowledge.

See also

Virtual appliance