Embedded Linux, with its smaller footprint and tighter code, is finding its way into smaller platforms where even a stripped down Windows XP couldn't possibly fit. Intel is fully aware of this, which is perhaps one reason why it's funding the development of an innovative new Linux distribution called Moblin. It uses the GNOME Mobile platform and features OpenGL support, and it's attracting the attention of companies such as netbook leader Acer.

Late last week, Moblin.org began distributing its first public alphas of a plethora of test builds and virtual machines, including -- most importantly -- a live image of the OS that can be copied immediately to a USB thumb drive (512 MB minimum) and booted right up in any PC, including a netbook. It's small enough for supporting vendors to choose which UI to provide with it.

"Moblin Foundations is the Moblin Software Platform core," writes developer Imad Sousou, referring to the chart above. "It provides a feature rich common base shared among form factor specific platform implementations such as netbooks, MIDs and automotive. Foundations consists of platform libraries and application services providing rich functional platform building blocks. It does not provide application user interfaces or specific user interaction shells, such functionality is provided by a platform specific implementation produced by Moblin or a third party."

For now, the OS requires Intel processors -- either an Atom-based netbook or a Core 2-based PC (one with Core Microarchitecture, not a Pentium). The system running Moblin must have Intel integrated graphics available; it won't be checking for discrete graphics, because it will assume it's running on a system too small to have a graphics card. If your test system has Intel- or Broadcom-brand networking -- both wired and wireless -- you should be in good shape, although Moblin will test for RealTek or SIS Ethernet adaptors, and Atheros, RealTek, or Ralink Wi-Fi adaptors. It's been tested for, and is already ready to run on, the Acer Aspire One, Asus' EeePC 901, and Dell's Mini 9.