Overview
ElyOS Application Philosophy
Section titled “ElyOS Application Philosophy”ElyOS is a modern webOS system that includes by default the essential applications necessary for a functional operating system. These core applications provide the system’s main functions: user management, communication (messages), notification system, system settings, logging, and help.
This starting point provides a stable, ready-to-use foundation that can later be extended with applications installed through the App Store according to specific user needs. It’s also possible to manually extend the system with custom-developed applications - these applications access core functions through the SDK provided by the webOS and integrate perfectly into the system. This makes ElyOS flexibly adaptable to different use cases - whether for corporate environments, medical offices or hospital systems, or individual projects.
Application Structure
Section titled “Application Structure”ElyOS built-in system applications (Settings, Users, Log, etc.) follow a unified structure: left navigation menu, right content area, and optional function bar with action buttons. This consistent structure makes system applications easier to use.
It’s important to note that ElyOS is a modular system - installable applications and plugins can have completely custom structures with their own user interfaces and operational logic.
Detailed guide on general application structure →
Launching Applications
Section titled “Launching Applications”You can launch applications in several ways:
- Desktop shortcuts: Click the application icon on the desktop (single or double click, depending on settings)
- Start Menu: Open the Start Menu on the taskbar and select the desired application
- Search: Start typing the application name in the Start Menu
- GUID link: Use the Application Opener function on the taskbar to open shared links
Application Categories
Section titled “Application Categories”ElyOS applications are organized into categories for easier navigation:
- System: Core system applications (Settings, Users, Log, App Store)
- Communication: Communication tools (Messages)
- Utilities: Useful utilities (Help, Notifications)
Multi-Instance Applications
Section titled “Multi-Instance Applications”Some applications can run in multi-instance mode, meaning you can open multiple windows of the same application simultaneously:
- Help: You can open multiple help windows for different topics
- Log: You can open multiple log windows with different filters
Most applications, however, are single-instance, meaning only one window can be open. If you try to reopen an already running single-instance application, the existing window comes to the foreground.
Application Permissions
Section titled “Application Permissions”Application access is flexibly controlled:
- Public applications: Available to all logged-in users
- Restricted applications: Can be arbitrarily assigned to groups and roles as needed
By default, the Users and App Store applications are assigned to the administrator group and role. Users only see applications they have permission to access.
More information on permission management: Users Application - Permissions
System Applications
Section titled “System Applications”Settings
Section titled “Settings”Category: System | Multi-Instance: No
The Settings application is the system’s central configuration hub. Here you can customize ElyOS appearance, behavior, and features.
Main features:
- Account: Edit profile (name, username, profile picture), view groups and roles
- Security: Set up two-factor authentication (2FA), change password, backup codes
- Appearance: Theme presets, desktop and taskbar theme (light/dark/auto), color scheme, font size
- Desktop: Desktop shortcut opening mode (single/double click)
- Background: Set background image, video, or color
- Taskbar: Position, taskbar element visibility (clock, application buttons, etc.)
- Start Menu: View (grid/list), search settings
- Performance: Optimize system performance
- Language: Interface language (if multiple languages available)
- System Information: Version and system data
Category: System | Multi-Instance: No | Permission: Admin
The Users application allows management and administration of user accounts and setting various permissions.
Main features:
- View and edit user accounts
- Create new users
- Manage user permissions, groups, and roles
- Activate/deactivate accounts
- Modify user data
Note: This application is only available to users with administrator privileges.
Category: System | Multi-Instance: No
The Log application displays system logs and error messages.
Main features:
- View system logs
- Error messages and warnings
- Activity log
- Filtering and search options
- Export logs
Tip: If you experience problems with the system, first check the Log application for detailed error messages.
App Store
Section titled “App Store”Category: System | Multi-Instance: No | Permission: Admin
The App Store (Plugin Manager) allows uploading and installing new applications into the ElyOS system.
Main features:
- Upload applications
- Install applications
- Manage installed applications
- Application updates
- Remove applications
Note: This application is only available to users with administrator privileges.
Communication Applications
Section titled “Communication Applications”Messages (Chat)
Section titled “Messages (Chat)”Category: Communication | Multi-Instance: No
The Messages application is an internal messaging system that enables communication with other users.
Main features:
- Real-time messaging
- Conversation management
Tip: The Messages application is ideal for quick teamwork and collaboration.
Utility Applications
Section titled “Utility Applications”Category: Utilities | Multi-Instance: Yes
The Help application contains system documentation and user guides.
Main features:
- Browse system documentation
- User guides
- Application-specific help
- Search function
- Context-sensitive help
Notifications
Section titled “Notifications”Category: Utilities | Multi-Instance: No
The Notifications application displays all your notifications in one place.
Main features:
- View all notifications
- Filter notifications (read/unread, critical)
- Delete notifications
- Notification history
- Quick access to notification settings
Application Sharing
Section titled “Application Sharing”ElyOS allows sharing applications with other users using GUID links:
- Open the application in the desired state (e.g., on a specific settings page)
- Click the Link button in the window title bar (turquoise button)
- The link is automatically copied to the clipboard
- Send the link to another user
- The other user can open the application in the same state using the Application Opener function (bottom right corner of taskbar)
More information: Using the Interface - Link Button
Application Help
Section titled “Application Help”Some applications have built-in help functionality. If you see the help button in the window title bar (blue button, ? icon), click it to open context-sensitive help. The Help application automatically opens with documentation for that application.
Next Steps
Section titled “Next Steps”- Using the Interface - Window management, taskbar, start menu
- System Customization - Themes, background, language settings
- FAQ - Answers to frequently asked questions