Of the countless projects out there on Linux, those who develop SUSE Linux GmbH company are based on creating free and paid solutions to different markets. In this case, We will talk about OpenSUSE, which is the open source version used for end users and entrepreneurs.
This is an operating system designed for any type of person, the novice and the seasoned who want to create workstations and servers.
We will tell you what characteristics your computer must have to run this operating system, We will show you how to install it step by step on any PC and the best programs that you should download to start your work.
What are the capabilities that my computer must have to install Linux OpenSUSE?
In reality, if you are going to work with a server environment, many physical resources are not required. But, if your idea is to use it as a desktop computer, then you must have a minimum of requirements so that there are no problems.
More than the minimum requirements, we leave you the recommended requirements in case the work is intense in this OS:
- Computers with 64-bit architectures.
- Processors Intel64 and AMD64.
- Recommended RAM memory of 2 Gb, so you guarantee performance.
- Available space in HDD for the installation of 10 Gb, at least.
- Screen resolution 1024px x 768px.
- Internet connection broadband.
Learn step by step how to install OpenSUSE on your computer correctly and without errors
One of the safer ways to install OpenSUSE it is through an ISO image that you should put on a CD, DVD, pendrive or any USB device, with which you can appeal to the installation assistant.
To your relief, it is not a complex installation as in the case of Arch Linux, with which the entire process is done through a command console:
About the latest version
OpenSUSE Leap 15.3 is the last version released in June 2022. You have the goodness of having the SUSE Linux Enterprise kernel, which is the paid version aimed at large companies that require interconnected workstations. Both share most of the binary packages and both are easy for end users to use. With open source version, a gateway is created for brands to opt for the paid package.
Before starting
For a smooth installation, you should first have a few resources on hand, for example:
- The ISO image of the latest version available.
- A USB device to save the ISO image.
- A pc support with Windows 10.
- Connection to Internet.
Now that you know that you don’t require many resources, it’s time to perform each step on this list and for that you must have, first of all, the support PC and the connection, preferably wired.
Download ISO image
Most Linux operating systems are installed using the command console, but OSs looking to engage end users prefer to do so via a wizard.
OpenSUSE is one of these programs that makes installation easy:
- You must enter the official Web
get.opensuse.org/leap. - Download the version referring to “Offline Image”.
- Keep the picture in an easily located place.
Remember that both on PCs, laptops and servers, only this can be installed version with x86_64 environments. You must make sure that you download the PC version, since there are also versions for servers and other types of installations.
Create bootable USB
As we suggest that you use Windows 10, then we are going to guide you on the use of the official Windows USB / DVD Download tool, which works to burn an ISO image on any removable device:
- You should access this link
https://www.microsoft.com/es-es/download/details.aspx?id=56485. - Download the application on your PC.
- Perform the installation by double clicking and following the steps to the end.
- Place the USB device on Windows 10 PC.
- Choose the option “Examine” and choose the device you just placed on your computer.
- Press “Next”. Then, it is important that you check “USB device” when the program asks for the type of device.
- Check the application to recognize your device and press “Begin copying”.
- It will ask if before starting you want to format the device, you must select “Erase USB device”.
- Close the application when the process reaches the 100%.
Install OpenSUSE 15.3
As we mentioned, once you have the ISO image on a USB device, you just have to place this device on your PC and proceed to restart so that the installation begins:
- When turning on the equipment, you must press “F8” repeatedly to enter the BIOS and adjust the boot.
- Change boot options and choose to boot from a USB port.
- Choose “Save and exit” to save the changes and press Enter.
- Immediately, the computer restarts and the OpenSUSE installation wizard begins. A first screen will appear with several options.
- Choose the section “Installation”.
- The assistent it will detect the USB device and start the process.
- You can select the “Idiom”, the “Keyboard distribution” and you will make a “Keyboard test”.
- Read the entire legal agreement and press “Following”.
- tell her “Yes” when I ask if you want Activate online repositories.
- You will see a list with available repositories. If you are a beginner, select all repositories.
- Now, you will see six available desktops: “KDE Plasma”, “Gnome”, “XFCE”, “Generic desktop”, “Server” Y “Transaction server”. Press all three first if you want to use your PC as a personal computer.
- When it’s time to partition, select “Guided setup” and press “Following”.
- You must choose one “Region” Y “Time zone”.
- Fill out the form with your basic information. You must also create and confirm “Password”.
- Will ask you “Confirm installation”, you must press “Install”.
- Installation may take several minutesYou must ensure that the computer does not turn off and the internet connection is not lost.
- When finish, will ask you to confirm the restart your PC.
- When the machine starts, you need to press the system “OpenSUSE Leap 15.3”.
- Ready! You will now be able to enter and use the desktop that you have selected during the installation.
Installation takes just a few minutes if you have everything you need on hand, so it is best to read the requirements before starting.
These are the best external programs that you should install in OpenSUSE to get the most out of the operating system
You should know that OpenSUSE comes with a large number of repositories and applications so that you can carry out office automation tasks, programming and can give the equipment different uses as an end user.
Check out this list of the most common applications in this operating system:
Oss
It is the main repository of this operating system, in it you can find the programs of the LibreOffice package, that work with a spreadsheet, text editor and presentation software on slides, just like you would on Windows. This repository includes all the desktop environments it has OpenSUSE, so you must know it to measure before performing any task as a professional novice. You should know that there is a great graphic assistance available.
Packman
Well, it’s not about that yellow doll from the 80s, but contains several programs that complement the OpenSUSE functionalities. It is a third party solution that is compatible with other operating systems. It contains a greater number of multimedia codecs, games, and applications that are not within the official installation of this OS. 2ManDVE, Audacious, Cinelerra, Freetuxtv and K3b are the main solutions that are available.
Community repositories
It is about the solutions that the volunteers of OpenSUSE They offer to improve the functionalities of this complete and easy-to-use environment for users of all levels. It contains additional video and audio codecs, as well as various options for the developers of this project.
You should know that it is not part of the official solutions of OpenSUSE, but there are cool apps to tweak different desktops and add additional support for hundreds of languages programming. It is an ideal module for web developers.
Google repositories
One of the advantages of this OS is that it has a quite complete package of Google apps that allow a better office work, which turns any PC into a powerful workstation. The available Google suite brings: Chrome, Google Earth, Google Music Manager, Google Voice and Video Chat, Google Web Designer and the rest of the applications that you get in the work environment of this colossus.
Educational repository
One of the reasons why this OS is suitable for the home is because it has study-oriented applications such as “Sugar”, which is an ideal desk for children. Also has “Kids Education Desktop” Y “Youth Education Desktop”, depending on the age of the children.
What other operating system has these options? None for the moment. For this reason, if you want to make a home use of OpenSUSE, it is actually the best option available in Linux if you are an inexperienced user and children will have access to this open source system.