Interface/Environment: Inspired by mobile technologies we've taken a different approach to the interface of our system to maximize user-efficiency on a large monitor or HDTV. Our interface is based on the popular open source environment XFCE with many customizations, such as maximized windows, larger fonts, and larger menu icons. This presents the user with an interface that allows them to comfortably use the system from across the room without having to strain their eyes or move closer to the television or monitor.

Linux and Gnu Tools: Element is built for i386 architecture using the Linux Kernel and GNU Tools & Programs. Linux was chosen over other kernels such as BSD simply because it has better compatibility with more i386 hardware. More than ninety percent of the i386 hardware available today runs efficiently on Linux.  Utilizing Linux and the GNU Tools at the core also gives Element the advantage of speed, security, and stability that has made GNU and Linux so popular on everything from servers to mobile phones.

Software/Package Managment: Element uses the Debian Packaging System built around both Canonical's (Ubuntu) and our own online software repositories. This allows our system to have available the latest software and security updates. Unlike other Debian/Ubuntu based systems we utilise two online centers for software installations, one where we have handpicked popular Linux applications that are compatible with our interface standards, and our partner's AllMyApps Software Center where you can freely install hundreds of the most popular apps available today. Dozens of more applications can be found from the distributors own websites.

Open Source Development: Element is dedicated to the philosophy and promotion of Open Source Software. What this means is that the license (GPL v2)  Element is released under allow any user to dissect the software and apply bug fixes, patches, or make any adjustment they may need to it. Being the anti-thesis of the Proprietary software model also gives the user the ability to redistribute the software they have modified as long as certain loose guidelines  within the license are met. Because of our usage of Open Source licensing along with the Linux kernel it means literally thousands of developers not affiliated with our own team fix patches, bugs, and aim to make the very core of the system more stable. All of the applications included by default such as our web browser and media player also conform to open source standards.

Other Interesting Items: Being Linux based means Element is much less susceptible to viruses than traditional desktop OSes like Windows or even MacOSX. In fact there are so few viruses on the Linux platform and because of permission settings, even if you should happen upon one by an infinitesimal chance, it won't effect your system without you giving it the permission to do so. So you literally do not need to run any Anti-Virus or  Anti-Malware. Additionally, there is no real need to worry about defragmenting your system, as you will not experience the same sort of slow-down when populating it with files when using a Linux-based system like Element.