OpenSUSE 12.3 beta is ready to run
Summary: OpenSUSE Linux is on track for an on-time, March 13th delivery of the next version of its operating system.
Back in 2012, openSUSE, SUSE's community Linux distribution, wasn't looking so good. The project was missing deadlines and had to be completely reorganized. Eventually, openSUSE 12.2 appearedin September, and since then openSUSE seems to have been on the right track. At the least, openSUSE is on time for the first, and only, beta of its next release, openSUSE 12.3.
OpenSUSE may not get the ink Fedora, Mint, or Ubuntu Linux do, but its parent Linux distribution, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) is still one of the major server Linux distributions. Linux professionals know you ignore openSUSE and SUSE at your own risk.
OpenSUSE is also the one major distribution that has stayed true to the KDE desktop environment, instead of GNOME or one of the many GNOME desktop spin-offs such as Cinnamon and MATE. This beta uses the KDE 4.10 RC2 of KDE workspaces and applications.
The final release of KDE 4.10 is set for the first week of February. Thus, when openSUSE 12.3 goes final, it will ship with KDE 4.10.
It's not all KDE though. OpenSUSE is incorporating tools from other desktops as well. For example, the XFCE file manager Thunar is included. This features tab support, improved bookmark handling and a check for free space before copying starts. OpenSUSE also includes LXDE's respected PCMan file-manager.
Under the hood, openSUSE will be using the 3.7.1 Linux kernel. The most significant improvements here are in networking. 3.7 incorporates TCP Fast Open, which can speed opening up Web pages from 10 to 40%. It also includes Server Messenge Block (SMB2) protocol for Windows PC file support.
This kernel also does a great job of supporting ARM processors. This leaves the door open for easily porting openSUSE to ARM-powered systems such as the ARM-based Samsung Chromebook. Indeed there are earlier openSUSE builds for the Chromebook are already available.
As for applications, besides the KDE family, openSUSE 12.3 will ship with LibreOffice 3.6 for word processors and Firefox 18 for Web browsing.
Want to check it out for yourself? The openSUSE 12.3 beta is now available for download. Enjoy!
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Talkback
Good to see
OpenSUSE 12.3 beta is ready to run and does it run smoothly
I was wondering how long it was going to take
Ah The Ever Sagastic Toadbottom
Well full of something anyway
I agree... With bottom?
Surely it's kind of moot? You'd probably already be looking at a linux solution / keen on current OpenSUSE if you're trying the PRE release OS? I happen to run Windows, Mac OS Linux and others through both personal interest and needing to use software run at work... Office, REHL software, etc. surely the primary comparison would be towards the current stable release, then other RPM software such as fedora and Mangeia, then popular other distros such as Ubuntu, mint and PC Linux OS, with windows coming in after the free software alternatives.
Personally when I discuss Linux, Windows would only come up in the context of someone switching and then yes, I'm very honest about the compromise of some of their current software.... Just as if someone asks my advice about getting a Mac, or switching mac to windows... You have to be more honest about what they give up than what they get... Other wise you set them up for a fall.
This article doesn't mention any bugs of the beta. I'd like to think that's true, but having used the testing 12.2, it's launch day release I'd say it's unlikely. It's awesome to discuss the benefits of upcoming releases, but it's very risky to suggest to people currently using and only knowing Windows or Mac OS to first try the beta lease of a Linux without warning them.
If someone had told you that they'd got their first ever computer from the apple shop this time last year, you wouldn't tell them to try the customer preview of Windows 8.
Benchmark?
Of course, we all know what a benchmark test is... how high do you hold the laptop above the bench to drop it and leave a mark? (Thanks to the BOFH)
RE: W-8 was never ment for the work place
And are you suggesting that openSUSE 12.3 beta (the subject of this article), again, beta software, is ready for the work place?
Rabid Howler Monkey = you answered your own question
You purchase 5,000 liences from Microsoft and NOW you have to go in and re-work them to make them usable = B*** S*** on that idea.....you stay with W-7 forget upgrading anything to W-8...
If I'm installing 5,000 units I want them to work as out of the box as possible.....don't you?
RE: you stay with W-7 forget upgrading anything to W-8...
Windows 8 includes some significant security enhancements over Windows 7, even if the default UI is less familiar to end users. Good system administrators create desktop images for their end users to enhance both security and useability. A little extra work to get it right is what they're paid to do. It's not like they're installing Windows, Microsoft Office, etc. sequentially on 5,000 end user PCs with conventional Windows and Office install media (the kind that most consumers would use). That's a major advantage with desktop images.
What I find sad is that when Steven chooses not to diss Microsoft in an article, one of his minions steps up and does it. It also makes one wonder whether openSUSE is any good as the comments get turned into an information sparse fanboi war instead of a discussion on what openSUSE 12.3 has to offer. And, as for UI madness, have you already forgotten Steven's previous articles regarding Unity (on desktops) and GNOME 3?
Best KDE Distro
Steven, looking forward to your detailed review of the final version
12.3 sounds dreamy
i have one issue with 12.2
What are you on about, SJVN?
...and also...
Why downgrade to OpenSUSE 12.3
(I figured why not since all the Linux shills are commenting on the Windows blogs) :)
Why downgrade to Windows 8 Surface
(I figured why not since all the Microsoft shills are commenting on the Linux blogs) :)
why downgrade to OpemSUSE
why downgrade to Unbuntu nn.nn
not fair!