The latest K Desktop Environment, KDE, features two modes of interacting with the desktop – the classic Desktop interface and the Netbook interface. On recent KDE-based distributions that I have reviewed for this website, the default is the classic Desktop, but switching to the Netbook interface is an easy, few seconds process.

Jolicloud 1.1 is the latest stable release of Jolicloud, the cloud-based, Ubuntu-based distribution. Other than being a cloud-based distribution, the most distinctive feature of Jolicloud is the netbook-optimzed interface, which is one of five netbook-optimized interfaces available on Linux and BSD distributions.

Ubuntu 10.10 Netbook Edition is the version of Ubuntu optimized for netbooks and other small screen computers. This article offers a detailed review, with emphasis on Unity, the new desktop interface that ships with it.

If you want some high-quality Linux wallpapers for your large monitors, you can visit my collection of “25 Coolest Linux Wallpapers”. However, if you happen to own a netbook, it is best to use medium-sized wallpapers that are optimized for small display.

Desktop developers are starting to understand that netbooks need different interfaces than workstations -- or even notebooks. A case in point is KDE's Plasma Netbook interface.

Ubuntu Netbook Edition (formally netbook remix) is a collection of applications that make Ubuntu more usable on smaller screens. But you don't have to be running a netbook to benefit. This article looks at how to use the best netbook remix features in a standard Ubuntu 10.04 install.

The KDE 4.4 Software Compilation was released at the beginning of this week. It will take a little time for this to filter down into the popular Linux distributions, of course, but I have been waiting anxiously to see how the KDE Netbook desktop develops.

Almost every major Linux distribution now has an official or unofficial netbook version that has been optimized for one particular netbook or for netbooks in general. This usually largely means adding bigger buttons to make them easier to press on the tiny screen.

Pear Linux is a relatively new community project that publishes several versions of Linux desktop distributions. While I am still working on a review of the standard and netbook editions, here are a few screen shots from a test installation of the NETBOOK edition.