Novell bought SuSE in November 2004 and has been releasing a freely downloadable community-based Linux desktop since August 2005.
openSUSE Linux Characteristics
openSUSE is a popular distribution of Linux for new users for good reason.
Hallmarks of openSUSE are professionalism, polish, and stability.
Never underestimate the worth of polish.
No one wants to use a GUI that needs a complete redesign the first thing.
openSUSE has always been rock solid.
Even their developmental releases were stable, much more so than other distribution releases.
This is actually the most important element of any operating system.
Somehow openSUSE developers found the magic recipe for stability.
Outstanding Features
The best two features of openSUSE are theinstallerandYaST Control Center.
So many distributions are trying to dumb down their installers to accomodate new and migrating Windows users these days.
openSUSE always finds the perfect blend of ease-of-use and customizable installs.
The YaST Control Center is one of the best in the business, if not the very best.
They really only have one rival and YaST offers many extra advanced configuration options.
Even the most experienced system administrator can sometimes appreciate the convenience and ease of graphical wizards and configurations.
It’s rare, but it happens.
Also, the YaST Control Center is the one centralized hub for all things software management.
The transition has been extremely difficult for distribution developers as well as the end user.
Each release brings more stability and features back to the desktop environment, but many issues remain.
Some of the side effects of this can be seen in this release of openSUSE.
Their KDE environment just feels rough around the edges.
Having said that, there are many opposing opinions.
Many feel this release of openSUSE is just as polished and stable as any that came before it.
The stack of applications is, as always, quite impressive.
If not in the default install, openSUSE repositories contain one of the largest collections of software in Linux.
openSUSE offers a choice of applications for most every task.
Legalese aside, this can be somewhat inconvenient and discouraging for many users.
One release with a few rough edges does not negate its otherwise exemplary track record.
openSUSE is available in several formats.
The install DVD is a large 4.3 gigabyte image with lots of software and your choice of desktop systems.
it’s possible for you to learn more at the openSUSE Website.
What do YOU think of openSUSE 11.2?
