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An easy-to-install Linux distribution has arrived. Novell has earlier this month announced its latest version of SUSE Linux, which will be available later this month.

 

Version 10.1 features over 1,500 software packages containing the latest open source innovations such as the new OpenOffice.org office suite, Firefox Web browser and multimedia tools. This latest release also includes extensivedesktop innovations for both GNOME and KDE users. Through this report, we are looking at makingthe switch from SUSE 9.x releases to 10.x.

 

Continuing the tradition of releasinga new version every six months, SUSE Linux 10.x releases come with automatic security updates,decreasing the necessity of upgrading to a new operating systemevery time. This is possibly one of the key feature that makes upgrading to SUSE 10.x releases an important move. Overall, SUSE 10.x releases are packed with majorimprovements over 9.x and earlierreleases of SUSE Linux. Such improvements include enhanced features for browsing the Web, chatting with other users over the internet, organising digital images, creating word documents and spreadsheets, and much more.

 

 

 

New name
As of version 10.x, SUSE now comes with a new name. The distinction between Professional and Personal edition does not exist in terms of Novell's distributions. There is now only one main distributioncalled SUSE Linux, formerlyknown as SUSE Linux Professional. As it did with its previous versions of 9.x, Novell has included both 32-bit and 64-bit versions to accommodate for both Intel and AMD processors' capabilities.

 

In the case of a downloadable version of the latest SUSE 10.1 release,the openSuse project, which is sponsored by Novell, offers a free download of this release but without any applications.

 

Installation
Installing SUSE Linux is a straightforward task when installed on its own. However, it may require some extra time, as well as additional technical configurations, if installed in parallel with another operating system, such as Windows XP. In our tests, the installation was performed using the DVD bootable disc included in the distribution box. The box also includes several CD's that also includethe installation program, as well as software archives.

 

The graphical user interface (GUI) is there to assist users all through the installation process. The basic installation was completedthrough few simple steps. The welcome screen opens with six different options. For a standardinstallation, where users boot directly from the DVD (or CD), select Installation. The program then prompts to select language, read through the licence agreement,Clock and Time Zone setup, and Desktop Selection.

 

KDE (K Desktop Environment) is the most common desktopenvironment on Linux. However,Gnome Desktop Environment has been designed to be more user friendly. And, by default, it is double-click enabled, helping Windows users to make the transition to the Linux world.

 

On each step of the installation users have control over the entire process. Through the Installation Settings step, users can select which applications to install. Alternatively,users can leave it with the default settings and install any application in the future using YAST (Yet Another Setup Tool).

 

For system administration, all Linux distributions use “root” as the username for the System Administrator. The root has the ultimate control over the system and therefore should ONLY be used for those tasks where higher privileges are required. In SUSE Linux, when users are logged in as “root” the system displays a red background as a reminder to be cautious. Users should always login as a non-administrator, with limited privileges, and only use root login when needed. This is a good “code of practice” as it involvesissues on security.

Network Configuration
In this step, SUSE again gives users the power to customise the installation.By default, the Firewall is activated so users may skip this section and return to it at a later date if required.

 

For user Authentication Method, you should select “Local” if users are to utilise the system as a standalone machine. The other authentication methods include Lightweight Directory Access Protocol(LDAP) and Network InformationSystem (NIS), used mainly in networked environments with an infrastructure to authenticate users through a central database.

 

In the New Local User settings, users can enter login details that will be used for login into the system. In Hardware Configuration, SUSE should have recognised most of the hardware within the machine on which the distributionwas installed. In our tests, the operation was very smooth and efficient.Thus, users can skip this section and complete the installation.

 

In general, the entire installation process, using the default setting,was reasonably quick.

 

Applications
SUSE Linux 10.x releases ship with an impressive number of applications, as mentioned above. As there is no reason to install all of them straight away, SUSE offers users the option to install individualapplications as and when they are needed through YAST.

 

With YAST, it is possible to perform a search for the application of interest, which also provides "dependencies"that informs users on whether there are any other applicationsrequired for this particular installation.

One of the standard applications shipped with SUSE 10.x include OpenOffice.org Suite, an open-source office suite with word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and database components,which are compatible with Microsoft Office. Hence, it can open Word documents and Excel spreadsheets, as well as saving files in standard Microsoft Office file formats. Other standard applicationsinclude Firefox browser, an open-source web browser, developed by the Mozilla Foundation, with enhanced security features, pop-up blocking, tab-browsing and live-bookmarks (RSS); DigiKam, a digital image management applicationfor KDE, which supports Serial, USB and IEEE connections;GIMP, an image processing application, which also supports many standard file formats and provides users with the power to edit their images such as photo retouching, image composition and image authoring; KPhone and Linphone, applications that support Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) for Internet telephony; and Kmail, a fully featured e-mail client,combined with kaddressbook and korganizer, as an alternative for Microsoft Outlook.

 

As with most Linux distributions, SUSE Linux uses RPM PackageManager for easy installation of software packages. Installing a package from an rpm is an easy job as it is usually accomplished with just a click of a button.

 

Conclusion
SUSE Linux 10.x is without a doubt one of the most complete distributions
available. It is easy to install and straightforward to configure. As it comes out of the box for the new user, it can be used as is. OpenOffice.org is a great office suite and Kmail is an easy-to-use email client, ideal for basic users.

 

On a more personal note as a web developer, I took the task of configuring Apache web server with php support. Through YAST, the installation was completed in only a few seconds and with some basic adjustments in the “httpd.conf” file, the web server was up and running in no time.

 

>> www.opensuse.org