Alexis Kestler
Hi there! Have you ever wanted to try out Linux without installing it? Or maybe access Linux tools from any device? Well, you‘re in luck – with online Linux emulators, you can run Linux in your web browser!
In this post, we‘ll explore 9 websites that let you experience Linux distributions and applications entirely online. As a fellow Linux and technology enthusiast, I‘ll share my hands-on thoughts on these tools. Whether you‘re new to Linux or an experienced user, these websites make it easy to get hands-on with Linux from any operating system. Let‘s dive in!
Why Run Linux in Your Browser?
Before we get to the websites, you may be wondering – why run Linux in a browser in the first place? Here are some excellent reasons:
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Test drive Linux – Explore distros and tools without installing anything. Great way for beginners to try Linux risk-free!
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Learn Linux – Practice commands and administer systems from any device. No need to set up a physical machine.
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Develop/test software – Compile code and test Linux apps safely in a contained environment.
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Troubleshoot issues – Access Linux tools to diagnose problems on other systems.
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Convenience – Use Linux on the go from any computer with a browser. No setup needed!
Personally, I use browser-based Linux for quick experiments and to sharpen my Linux skills from anywhere. It‘s so convenient! Now let‘s look at some top options.
1. JSLinux
JSLinux is an incredible Linux emulator that runs fully in the browser using JavaScript. It was created by Fabrice Bellard, a legend in the open source world who created FFmpeg, QEMU, and other seminal software.
JSLinux emulates a basic Linux system with networking support. It can run these distros:
- Linux 2.6.20
- Linux 3.4.1
- Linux 4.4.5
The interface includes a terminal, text editor, X desktop, and BusyBox tools. You can manage files, install packages, modify system configs, and run shell scripts.
Considering everything runs in JS, it‘s amazingly functional! However, don‘t expect it to replace a full Linux install. The main limitation is there‘s no persistent storage. When you close the tab, your changes are gone.
Still, I‘m blown away that Bellard packed so much into the browser. JSLinux is a treat for Linux fans and an technical achievement. It‘s the perfect playground for trying Linux!
2. copy.sh
copy.sh is a JavaScript emulator that runs DOS, various Linux distros, Windows, ReactOS, and more. It uses an open source x86 virtualization engine called v86.
The Linux versions available in copy.sh are:
- Linux 2.6
- Linux 3.18
- Arch Linux
The interface is minimal but effective. It launches directly into a Linux terminal with BusyBox utilities. You can open a text editor, browse files, and access some system settings.
As a Linux user myself, I found copy.sh great for quick experiments. It boots fast into a usable Linux environment. However, like JSLinux, there‘s no persistent storage. copy.sh is ideal for test driving Linux rather than full-on development.
3. Webminal
Webminal takes a different approach – it provides access to a Linux terminal in your browser rather than a full distro. There‘s no GUI, just a terminal to practice Linux commands.
Under the hood, Webminal offers an Ubuntu-based terminal loaded with common utilities like bash, vi, python, curl, git, and more. It‘s a great way to hone your Linux skills from any device with a browser.
To get started, you create a free account which grants you command line access. Webminal has helped over 1.5 million people learn Linux! I think this is a fantastic tool for beginners who want guided practice.
4. DistroTest.net
DistroTest.net lets you safely test over 300 Linux distros without installing anything. It uses the QEMU emulator to run the distros in your browser.
Some of the most popular Linux distributions available:
- Ubuntu
- Kali Linux (penetration testing)
- Fedora
- openSUSE
- Debian
- CentOS
- Arch Linux
- Gentoo
The emulator displays the Linux desktop right in your browser. You get to test drive different distros and preview the interface. Just don‘t expect full native performance.
I suggest DistroTest.net if you‘re looking to evaluate and compare distros. It‘s like having a Linux VM zoo in your browser! Very cool for experimentation.
5. CoCalc
CoCalc (formerly SageMathCloud) provides collaborative Linux environments for education and software development.
The Linux terminal in CoCalc gives you an Ubuntu-based environment with developer tools like Python, Node.js, LaTeX, Jupyter notebooks, R lang, and more. Multiple users can connect to the same terminal for real-time collaboration.
In addition to the terminal, you can launch full Linux desktops like GNOME, Mate, and KDE. CoCalc also supports graphical apps including Firefox and Chrome. Very flexible!
Pricing starts at $14/month for hosted Linux machines. While not cheap, CoCalc offers an excellent Linux-in-the-cloud playground for education and team development. I‘ve used it myself for quick prototyping and was impressed.
6. Geekflare Online Compiler
While not a full distro, Geekflare‘s Bash compiler allows you to run Bash scripts in the browser. It supports common Bash utilities like sed, awk, grep, etc.
This is a handy tool for quickly testing Bash coding skills without setting up a Linux environment. I use Geekflare‘s compiler for little Bash experiments and sharing code snippets. You can also integrate it into web apps to execute Bash on the fly.
7. WebVM
WebVM delivers a browser-based Debian Linux distro powered by WebAssembly. It runs entirely client-side without any server component.
WebVM provides a minimal GUI desktop with apps like Firefox ESR, Thunderbird, LibreOffice, and more. You also get a terminal for command line access.
Considering everything runs locally in your browser, WebVM‘s performance is impressive! This shows the potential of running Linux distros natively in WebAssembly.
As a Linux and technology geek, I‘m excited about innovations like WebVM. The lines between local apps and web apps continue to blur!
8. JS/UNIX
For a retro computing experience, JS/UNIX emulates an old-school UNIX system in the browser. It recreates a terminal interface with a text-based process manager.
JS/UNIX isn‘t a complete Linux environment, but rather a nostalgic homage to early UNIX and DOS systems. You can play around with the terminal, write BASIC code, and get a feel for how PCs worked before GUIs.
I had fun tinkering with JS/UNIX and found it a pleasant dose of computing history. Definitely try it if you fondly remember the text-based OS days!
9. CB.VU
CB.VU offers another retro UNIX experience in the browser. It runs FreeBSD 7.1 along with old-timey apps like UXB Basic, a text editor, some games, and a few other utilities.
Like JS/UNIX, the focus here is more about nostalgia than functionality. Still, I enjoyed revisiting a UNIX-style system and basic command line tools. A fun way to sample early OS history!
Final Thoughts
Thanks for joining me on this tour of Linux online emulators! While they have limitations, these websites provide an accessible Linux experience right in your browser:
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Options like JSLinux and WebVM showcase the possibilities of JavaScript and WebAssembly for bringing Linux to the web.
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Webminal is perfect for honing Linux command skills from any device.
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DistroTest.net makes it easy to preview and compare distros.
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For developers, CoCalc delivers full-featured Linux desktops and workspaces.
I hope these emulators inspire you to try out Linux, sharpen your skills, or just have some retro computing fun! Let me know if have any other favorites I should check out. Until next time, happy browsing!
