Maemo basics

(What can I do with Maemo?)
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== What can I do with Maemo? ==
== What can I do with Maemo? ==
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You can do '''almost''' everything smartphones do now with no extra software installed. There is no MMS for now.
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The most recent Maemo lets you do almost everything you would expect to be able to do with a smartphone—and then some! Maemo provides most of the features without any extra effort on your part. When you need something more, you can simply install a new application. It's a truly portable personal computer.
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The one main limitation is that MMS is not supported—yet.
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In [http://maemo.org/downloads/ downloads] - section one could see software for os2008 (Nokia [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N800 N800] & [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N810 N810]). And [http://maemo.org/downloads/Maemo5/ Maemo5] subpage shows software for Maemo5 ([http://maemo.nokia.com/n900/ Nokia N900]). And remember also the instance that collects the best of the best software (maemo.org & [https://store.ovi.com ovi]): [http://maemo.nokia.com/maemo-select/applications/ Maemo select]
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See the free [http://maemo.org/downloads/ downloads] section to get an idea of the possibilities. The [http://maemo.org/downloads/OS2008/ software for os2008] runs on the Nokia [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N800 N800] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N810 N810] tablets. The [http://maemo.org/downloads/Maemo5/ Maemo5] downloads page is for the new [http://maemo.nokia.com/n900/ Nokia N900], and is just getting started. There's also a showcase of the greatest Maemo software collected from maemo.org and Nokia's [https://store.ovi.com ovi store] at [http://maemo.nokia.com/maemo-select/applications/ Maemo Select].
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Software can be easily installed by opening installer with your Maemo - device.
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Installation is as easy as tapping on the application manager on your Maemo computer.
== What next? ==
== What next? ==
If all your questions wasn't answered, [[Frequently asked questions]] could do it. If not, feel free to join [http://talk.maemo.org/ maemo talk]! And there is allready a [http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php?p=340908#post340908 thread for newcomers]
If all your questions wasn't answered, [[Frequently asked questions]] could do it. If not, feel free to join [http://talk.maemo.org/ maemo talk]! And there is allready a [http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php?p=340908#post340908 thread for newcomers]

Revision as of 15:14, 9 October 2009

This is a brief introduction for people who are new to Maemo and considering buying a device with the Maemo operating system (OS). The goal of this page is to explain to someone with no prior knowledge about Internet tablets, operating systems, Linux, or software development, what they need to know to appreciate the merits and uses of Maemo.


Contents

What is Maemo?

Maemo is the name of an operating system and application platform based on Linux which Nokia introduced in 2005 to run on its Internet tablets. Maemo is more than just that! It is the community and tools and devices—everything—to do with the operating system. This is the home of the Maemo project. The resources here consist of downloads, communal documentation, development resources, news and a discussion forum.

  • Downloads is a showcase for applications and other software, some of it developed by Nokia, and some of it from members of the this Maemo community.
  • Community is a collection of useful information and links for both developers and users. For new users the wiki can be especially useful for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and general information.
  • Development is a resource for developers. If you are interested in writing code for Maemo, there is a wealth of information and downloadable resources there to help you get started.
  • News is a blog containing the most significant items of Maemo-related news.
  • Talk comprises a number of forums about Maemo. Some are technical forums for developers but are for ordinary users. There are forums for the Maemo operating system, for specific hardware devices which use Maemo, and for applications written for Maemo.

Why Maemo?

Power 
It is a complete, full-featured and open operating system that runs on a portable computer.
Synergy 
It is a collaborative effort using the resources and backing of a successful, for-profit company (Nokia) and the talents and resources of an enthusiastic community of volunteers.
Flexibility 
It is a Linux distribution. The main competing mobile operating systems are: built on Linux, but deliberately restricted (Google's Android), cut down and closed (Windows Mobile), or closed and deliberately limited (Mobile Mac OS X).

How can I run Maemo?

Maemo runs on Nokia's Internet tablets. The most recent Maemo release is Maemo5 and it runs on the Nokia N900.

What can I do with Maemo?

The most recent Maemo lets you do almost everything you would expect to be able to do with a smartphone—and then some! Maemo provides most of the features without any extra effort on your part. When you need something more, you can simply install a new application. It's a truly portable personal computer.

The one main limitation is that MMS is not supported—yet.

See the free downloads section to get an idea of the possibilities. The software for os2008 runs on the Nokia N800 and N810 tablets. The Maemo5 downloads page is for the new Nokia N900, and is just getting started. There's also a showcase of the greatest Maemo software collected from maemo.org and Nokia's ovi store at Maemo Select.

Installation is as easy as tapping on the application manager on your Maemo computer.

What next?

If all your questions wasn't answered, Frequently asked questions could do it. If not, feel free to join maemo talk! And there is allready a thread for newcomers