NexentaOS is a complete GNU-based open source operating system built on top of the OpenSolaris kernel and runtime. So what’s the big deal?
It’s a “best of both worlds” kind of operating system gluing SunOS kernel with GNU software. SunOS kernel is the most sophisticated UNIX kernel, period. Even Google Inc. is experimenting with the open-source version of Sun Microsystems Inc.’s Solaris operating system as a possible long-term prelude to replacing its massive global network of Linux servers, according to sources. GNU software is what make Linux so popular among different class of users.
Nexenta’s Alpha 5 release is available as an installable ISO or LiveCD that is released on 15 June. NexentaOS currently requires 32- or 64-bit x86/x64 platform with at least 256MB RAM, and a CD-ROM drive. You can try out the OS using the Getting Started Guide (pdf) to install. LiveCD needs 512MB RAM for root partition’s ramdisk and kernel loaded together.