Apps and programs
NoriOS runs programs made for Linux and programs made for Windows. Both kinds show up in the launcher, open in ordinary windows, and share the clipboard and your files.
Linux software
NoriOS installs Linux software with one tool, nori, from a terminal (Super+Enter opens one). Software comes from Alpine Linux for now; more sources are on the way.
| Command | What it does |
|---|---|
nori search WORD | Find software by name |
nori install NAME | Install it, with whatever it needs |
nori list | What you have installed |
nori remove NAME | Remove it again |
nori update | Bring everything up to date |
For example, nori install jq installs the jq command. Programs that come with a launcher entry appear in the launcher right away.
Each source of software stays whole, in a place of its own, and is kept up to date by its own tools. A program sees the files it expects, while your home folder, your devices and NoriOS itself are shared by all of them.
Windows programs
A Windows program runs on NoriOS like any other: open its .exe in Files, or start it from the launcher once it has an entry there. It gets an ordinary window, with a small .exe tag on its title bar so you can tell. It can see your files, uses the same clipboard, and puts its icon in the tray.
What works today: everyday programs such as Notepad, WordPad, Task Manager, Registry Editor, Minesweeper and 7-Zip, and command-line tools like cmd. Each release runs more programs.
Not yet: DirectX games, and 32-bit Windows programs (both coming). Programs that install Windows drivers, and games with kernel-level anti-cheat, will not run.
Games
Steam runs on NoriOS, and so do Linux games such as Factorio.