Novell announced SUSE Linux 10.0 will be available in retail and online stores in early October 2005. SUSE Linux 10.0 is uniquely designed among Linux distributions to create an easy, user-friendly experience, delivering everything that enthusiasts and home users need to get started with Linux. In addition to a full featured desktop, SUSE Linux 10.0 includes more than 1,500 open source Linux applications and packages that can be optionally installed for advanced Web hosting, application development and home networking. The retail version comes with installation support and comprehensive manuals to help users get the most out of Linux at a very low cost. As a result, both home users and developers who want to leverage the power, security and reliability of Linux can tap SUSE Linux 10.0 as a cost-effective choice for their core computing needs.
SUSE Linux 10.0 is created by the openSUSE project, a recently launched community initiative sponsored by Novell that promotes the use of Linux everywhere. A first for Novell, SUSE Linux 10.0 will include code changes and bug fixes initiated with developer input from across the worldwide Linux community. Thanks to active developer involvement and interest in the beta versions, SUSE Linux 10.0 will establish new benchmarks for ease of installation, configuration and use.
The full featured desktop delivered in SUSE Linux 10.0 includes the newest version of the popular Firefox Web browser; the latest version of the Windows-compatible OpenOffice.org 2.0 office suite; email and instant messaging clients; graphics creation, editing, and management applications; plus important security tools like spam blockers, anti-virus software and an integrated firewall. Among the numerous new and updated features are the Beagle desktop search engine and Amarok with MP3 support out of the box.
“As this release of SUSE Linux 10.0 shows, Novell continues to extend its vision for its business and retail products,” said Chris Ingle, group consultant at IDC. “SUSE Linux has always had one of the fullest feature sets of any distribution. While these features are valued by customers, Novell’s focus on ease of use aims to make the distribution accessible to a wider user base. Key to Novell’s success with future product releases will be building a community at openSUSE.org which works well with the existing Linux community and drives wider adoption of open source products.”
SUSE Linux 10.0 also will preview select advanced technologies for the Linux enthusiast, such as Xen virtualization and iFolder for file access anywhere, that will be available in future versions of Novell’s enterprise Linux products.
“The new features and numerous usability improvements in SUSE Linux 10.0 will make it easier than ever for users to deploy and use Linux successfully,” said Ross Chevalier, chief technology officer/chief information officer at Novell Canada. “For the first time, we have been receiving input from the openSUSE community throughout the SUSE Linux beta cycle and that feedback is making a real difference in the product. The Linux community is helping us extend the usability of the SUSE Linux distribution, and we can’t wait to release SUSE Linux 10.0.”
Of special interest to current Windows users, included in SUSE Linux 10.0 are a variety of features that simplify migration. Users have the option of replacing their existing operating system with Linux or installing Linux alongside their existing system so that they can experience Linux in a “trial” setting, without affecting their existing software installations. The retail edition of SUSE Linux 10.0 offers end users the security and convenience of a Linux distribution complete with installable media, printed end-user manuals and 90 days of installation support.
