SuSE, openSUSE Archive

Since yesterday, .iso downloads for SUSE Enterprise Linux Desktop/Server 10 have been available from Novell's download page. After seeking confirmation from Novell's Nat Friedman, we can confirm these are indeed the final releases. SLED 10 is available for x86 and x86-64, while SLES 10 can be obtained for x86, AMD64/EM64T, PPC, IBM Power, Itanium, and IBM's zSeries. According to Friedman, a "big marketing blitz" will happen today. OSNews reviewed the RC3 release of SLED 10 in two stages not too long ago.

"We're glad to announce SUSE Linux 10.2 Codename 'Basilisk Lizard' Alpha2. It's downloadable from today on and will be the last community/consumer distribution called SUSE Linux. We'll rename SUSE Linux into openSUSE." And the release announcement lists some changes, with a referral to CD1, where the changelog can be found. And there was much rejoicing. No, really.

Last week, I wrote about my first impressions of SUSE Enterprise Linux Desktop 10, after only a day of usage. I was quite impressed by the whole package, claiming that "I can confidently say that this release candidate outshines Windows Vista's beta" and "I'd even go as far as to say that even Apple should be worried". I still stand by those two statements, but after a week of daily usage, some reflection on just how much it outshines Vista or how worried Apple should be are justified.

Mad Penguin's Adam Doxtater has published his take on the upcoming SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop release. Many screenshots included.

A preview edition of SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10, the desktop Novell's been working on for the last two years, is now available for download. Reviews are also available, as well as a demo. Get it from Novell's download page.

Scott Morris has replied to the statement made by Microsoft's Bill Hilf that Linux poses no threat to Windows on the desktop. "I'm telling you, SLED 10 will be the first Linux platform ever that can truly address all of the issues to be considered when looking for a desktop platform. Gone are the days where the knee-jerk response is 'OK, so how much do I need to fork over to you, Mr Gates?' Only the old-school has-beens are still thinking this way. Join the new IT movement. The one where everyone sees Microsoft's software for the trash that it is, and sees Linux for the value that it adds to the industry. At very least join us in the real world and think for yourself."

Development for SUSE 10.2 is now officially under way with the release of the first alpha in what will probably be a long list of alpha and beta releases. Besides a list of known issues, I can tell you little about the release, so I guess if you want to know what's going on, you'll have to install it.

Novell's OpenSUSE 10.1 is a solid, multipurpose Linux-based operating system that - in addition to being a very good distribution in its own right - offers an early peek at the SUSE Enterprise Linux Desktop product that Novell is set to ship this summer. What has always (and still does) set SUSE apart is the measure of management homogeneity that the distribution brings to this diverse set of components - mostly through its Yast system configuration framework. Overall, eWEEK Labs appreciated the ambitious scope of OpenSUSE 10.1's configuration tools, but we also ran into some areas in which Yast's reach frustratingly exceeded its grasp.

SoftwareInReview takes a look at SUSE 10.1, and summarizes: "While SUSE Linux 10.1 has lost some ground on its wonderful predecessor, I can see where it is headed in the future - and I like what I'm envisioning. A mildly buggy release like 10.1 was necessary in the big picture, unless of course Novell had opted to wait until issues with Atheros drivers, the ZENworks updater, and XGL were resolved. That would have resulted in a 'skipped' release, I think. Despite the trouble I had with 10.1, none of the problems were showstoppers, nor would they keep me from continuing to use and recommend SUSE Linux."

Linux.com reviews SUSE 10.1, and concludes: "With SUSE 10.1, Novell has embraced and extended its role as the leading desktop distribution. Given the amount of eye-popping eye candy and playtime 3-D effects available on this desktop, it's easy to forget that Novell is all about bringing Linux to the corporate - not the home - desktops. Yes, the money is all in the server market these days, but after the revolution Linux will inherit its rightful share of desktops, too."

"When you're done installing SUSE Linux 10.1 OSS, your desktop system is not complete. You might still need support for Java programs, MP3 audio files, and browser plugins for Macromedia Flash, Adobe Acrobat, RealPlayer, and Windows Media Video. You may also want to add support for playing DVD videos on your computer, and to try out the new XGL graphical toys. Here's how to effectively make SUSE Linux 10.1 into the perfect desktop OS."

LinuxForums reviews SUSE 10.1, and concludes: "Everything worked perfectly and the system seemed to be very stable. The boot splash, the login managers, the installer and the desktops were customized with a unified SUSE look and feel that made them beautiful and very professional. The YaST installer in particular impressed me a lot, and I was amazed to see how SUSE succeeded in making a great desktop operating system, both with Gnome and KDE, offering a lot of software, a lot of options, a lot of configuration tools without making it hard at all for the user. This release also comes with great new applications such as Xgl, Xen and AppArmor. Everywhere I looked, I saw really nice things, great ideas and a beautiful presentation."

"I'm glad to announce SUSE Linux 10.1 Codename 'Agama Lizard' RC3. We have fixed the majority of bugs from RC3 and look forward to the goldmaster - if testing does not show serious problems." Okay, I will try not to mention the lack or release information this time.

The latest release candidate for SUSE Linux OSS 10.1, RC2, has been released. "I'm glad to announce SUSE Linux 10.1 Codename 'Agama Lizard' RC2. We have fixed the majority of bugs from RC1 and will release an RC3 next week. During the RC phase, we only provide delta ISOs of the media and update the factory tree as well."