Cloud Operating Systems, or Cloud OS, are a collection of applications and programs, like the system used on your personal computer, such as Windows or Mac OS. The difference with Cloud OS is that the entire program is stored online, rather than using your computer’s hard drive space. Because Cloud systems are not installed on the computer itself, they are usually more basic systems, offering programs such as office suites, music services, and online applications like Facebook and YouTube. They are great for smartphones and tablets, as they offer more flexibility with a data plan. If you are interested in a Cloud OS for your mobile device, simply download the OS app and it’s good to go. The great thing about cloud systems is that they’re usually free. Here are the top five cloud operating systems you should consider trying.

Desktop by Jolicloud

One of the first and best Cloud systems was Jolicloud. Jolicloud has gone on hiatus, but in its place, the creators now offer Desktop. It’s also available for Android and IOS users. Desktop allows you to consolidate your online storage, create folders to organize your content, and play all your content, including PDFs, eBooks, and music. If you want to try Desktop but don’t want to create an account with them, you can sign up using your Google or Facebook account. Desktop is visually appealing, easy to use, and consolidates all your apps and programs into one place.

ZeroPC

If you’re a photographer, Zero PC is the Cloud OS for you. It offers Flickr, Instagram, Picasa, Dropbox, and more photography apps. Zero PC also offers an application called Photo Connect, which is their own photo management program. Zero PC offers a basic plan and a pro plan. The basic plan is $2.99 and offers over 100 GB of cloud storage from its connected services, and an additional 5 GB of its own cloud storage. The pro plan costs $9.99 a month and comes with the same 100 GB of connected cloud storage, and an additional 50 GB of ZeroPC cloud storage. Both plans come with a safety box and a cloud storage backup feature.

Silve Cloud OS

Silve Cloud OS feels the most like a Windows system. It comes with a task bar and a start button just like Windows. This system is designed for those who only want a basic system. It comes with an internet browser, video player, rich tech editor, a few online applications including Twitter and YouTube, and a few games. Silve Cloud does require Silverlight 4 to run, but it does allow for the installation of external software, a feature that is unique to Silve Cloud. The only requirement for the external systems is that they must also run with Silverlight.

Netvibes

Netvibes is different than other Cloud systems in that it uses widgets arranged in a dashboard. You can arrange your social media, apps, news, and favorite websites so that you can switch seamlessly between them without having to open multiple internet tabs or windows. Netvibes does have an option to connect to mobile devices so that you can use it on the go. It also comes with a business option if you want to use it for your company.

CloudMe

CloudMe was originally called icloud. It’s a European based Cloud system that allows you access to your files wherever you are, provides file sharing, music streaming, and photo storage. CloudMe is free for personal users, but also offers business options. For a fee, you can collaborate on projects with your coworkers, store company data, and access your file server.