In the hierarchy of desktop operating systems (OSs), Ubuntu (News - Alert) holds a firm third place right after Microsoft’s Windows and Mac OS X. Although it’s ideal for developers and server setups, Canonical’s flagship OS is quickly emerging as an attractive and user- friendly platform for folks who want a taste of Linux.

Generally, Linux has always caught flack over its lack of compatibility for the most popular desktop applications like MS Word and pretty much any commercial games, but thanks to the open source community, there are more than enough acceptable alternatives these days.

Since the rise of smartphones, every major OS is taking on more of a mobile persona -- we all want that same ‘app’ functionality across all of our devices - things like tweeting from the desktop and receiving push-notifications from Gmail.

That’s why Canonical has began work on the Ubuntu Web Apps project - that name might be a little misleading though.

With typical Web apps, the user might have an icon on the desktop that’s nothing more than a link to their e-mail inbox or Facebook (News - Alert). Maybe a homepage icon in Google Chrome, but as far as functionality goes; they’re really just easy-access hyperlinks.

Yes; Ubuntu’s Web Apps are in fact links to popular online services but there’s a twist - they actually run and function like full-on desktop applications. That means integration with a ton of real apps, like uploading photos to Facebook from Shotwell, receiving Gmail updates in Ubuntu’s messaging indicator and controlling Last.FM right from the system sound menu, to name a few.

Another popular feature of Ubuntu is its HUD - like OS X, users can navigate through running applications by a simple keyboard shortcut. Rather than opening each app in a new Firefox tab, Ubuntu Web Apps each execute as a regular program - so navigation between each one is an effortless, natural process.

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