Michelle wrote:
> I have a few questions:
>
> 1) I'm told I need SUSE. But I see "openSUSE". What's the
> difference?

Basically, same thing. Name got changed at some point. On an old box
here next to me, it says SUSE LINUX 9.3. and the later versions were
then dubbed opensuse.

> 2) If I need to install SUSE for my software to work, and I install
> openSUSE instead, will this be compatible?

You have no idea what it is you're supposed to install, do you? Are you
sure that's a smart move? (Recent versions are all called opensuse. Some
people just keep calling it Suse.)

> 3) Where can I download SUSE?

http://www.opensuse.org/
Or go to a shop to buy a boxed version that comes with a completely
useless book. (Which is what I did when I started out on "Suse".)

Luca

On Tue, 15 Jul 2008 23:34:20 -0700, Michelle wrote:

> I have a few questions:
>
> 1) I'm told I need SUSE. But I see "openSUSE". What's the difference?
>
> 2) If I need to install SUSE for my software to work, and I install
> openSUSE instead, will this be compatible?
>
> 3) Where can I download SUSE?
>
> Thanks.

In the beginning was SuSE
That begat SUSE
Then followed openSUSE, SLES, and SLED.

SUSE Linux Enterprise are Novells commersial versions.
The one you want is probably openSUSE.

In <86bef7e3-6bf5-46a2-8a21-d0378f64f60e@k30g2000hse.googlegroups.com>, Michelle writes:
>I have a few questions:
>
>1) I'm told I need SUSE. But I see "openSUSE". What's the
>difference?

Basically there are 4 differences.
1. SuSE Linux Enterprise (SUSE) is commercially product, While
openSuSE is free with only GPL Linux software.

2. A little system fine tuning in the SuSE system by Novell.

3. SuSE version 10.0 while openSuse is version 11.0

4. A. For SuSE, you become a registered user. Use of Service paks,
activation code, etc. To learn more see:
http://www.novell.com/linux

B. openSuSE non-registered user. Update posted on web site.


>
>2) If I need to install SUSE for my software to work, and I install
>openSUSE instead, will this be compatible?

Yes, they are compatible, except for updates. The fine tuning that
is done in the SuSE might give you an edge if your using some of
Novell other Linux software. But anyone can fine tune their own system.

>
>3) Where can I download SUSE?

SuSE: Can be purchased from Novell. Desktop start at $50.00 for 1 yea
subscription and goes up for others types like Real-Time SuSE
for $2,500 per year.

OpenSuSE: http://software.openSuSE.org/

You can download the complete DVD set or just a CD installer
that you must burn. Time for the Installer depends upon your internet
speeds.

You can still purchase a boxed version around $60.00
from Novell or other places. Includes DVD and a set of
printed manuals.

>
>Thanks.

graham wrote:
> In the beginning was SuSE

There was S.u.S.E. as well before that,

> That begat SUSE
> Then followed openSUSE, SLES, and SLED.
>
> SUSE Linux Enterprise are Novells commersial versions.
> The one you want is probably openSUSE.

Indeed. To make it clear:
SUSE is the short name for SUSE Linux Enterprise.

The name originaly was just the name of the company. S.u.S.E. was the
original name of the company and the main product was the distribution.

That later became SuSE and then SUSE. However there was still confusion
between the distribution intended for the business user where you buy a
service contract and the version that was ment for the masses.

This led to the name openSUSE for the distribution for the everyday user
and SUSE (aka SLES and SLED) for companies who intend to deplay it
companywide AND buy a service contract with it.

The main advantage for a company to use SLED or SLES instead of 2 years
you get 7 (seven) years security updates. This means often that only
when you buy new hardware you need to install a new version of software,
That makes it much easier to deplay.

After those 7 years, you will have to do the updates yourself.

The numbering of SUSE and openSUSE is linked. SUSE goes 10, 11, 12.
openSUSE goes 10.0, 10.1, 10.2 10.3, 11.0 ...
The openSUSE version before a new SUSE comes out is called X.0

(everybody still awake? )

houghi
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