Understanding Types, Advantages, and Disadvantages of OpenSUSE
If you’re looking for a Linux distro to work with, you might find openSUSE as one of the recommendations. This Linux distro is not as popular as other distributions such as Ubuntu or Debian. Open SUSE has a strange set of features that can be taken advantage of.
OpenSUSE is more popular in the enterprise world. This Linux distribution has been around since the 1990s and is still growing today.
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Understanding OpenSuse
OpenSUSE is an open-source community project with a Linux-based distribution sponsored by SUSE Software Solutions Germany GmbH and other companies. The openSUSE project has a large global community that co-develops openSUSE, sometimes with corporate sponsors. The distribution of this project is free to download at any time at no cost.
The openSUSE distribution features multiple desktop environments for users with various needs. These desktop environments include KDE, GNOME, Xfce, and others. It includes package management systems such as YaST, zypper, DNF, and others that support thousands of open-source software packages that can be installed.
Even though it’s been around since 1996, OpenSUSE is still regularly developed to this day and is one of the best Linux distributions. In its development, many sub-projects support this one operating system. In 2015, openSUSE released two versions namely Leap and Tumbleweed.
OpenSuse Type
After understanding the meaning, you may be curious about the two versions previously mentioned. Here’s the explanation.
1. Leap
OpenSUSE Leap is compatible with SUSE Linux Enterprise; this gives Leap a level of stability unmatched by any other Linux distribution and gives users the ability to migrate to enterprise offerings.
Unlike Tumbleweed, Leap does not use a rolling release system, so you have to update everything manually. However, this is also what makes this operating system more stable than Tumbleweed.
The level of stability this provides makes it suitable for use for business needs, even by large corporations. The Linux kernel used in Leap is constantly being updated with patches and backports to support new hardware as needed.
2. Tumbleweed
OpenSUSE Tumbleweed is a version of openSUSE that implements a rolling release. This rolling release eliminates the need to manually update the operating system and applications. The latest OS and apps from the stable version will be automatically updated immediately. For this reason, Tumbleweed has the latest and most advanced applications.
This distribution is suitable for those who have qualified technical skills or have experience using Linux before. This rolling release sometimes makes the version of the operating system used less stable, so it is not suitable for use by beginners who do not understand how to handle it.
Tumbleweed users should have advanced skills especially in compiling kernel modules. The advantage of Tumbleweed in addition to software packages that are always up-to-date and complete is that its performance is very fast and light.
The OS uses Open Build Service (OBS) to speed up the build process and uses openQA to automate testing, using real-life scenarios testing installations, upgrades, dual booting, live CDs, network installations, and more. Thousands of processes can be executed very quickly using Tumbleweed.
Advantages of OpenSuse
After knowing the meaning and types, you will want to know what are the advantages of this one operating system. Check out the complete information below.
- Full Control
OpenSUSE has many sub-projects to support this one operating system. In addition, openSUSE also has YaST which is the control center of the entire OS.
This allows users to make as many modifications to the operating system as they need. This flexibility makes openSUSE suitable for those who want a reliable operating system to run complex processes.
- Diverse Desktop Environments
OpenSUSE supports many desktop managers such as KDE and GNOME. This can make it adapt to your wants and needs. That’s why openSUSE is suitable for those who are used to using computers with the Linux operating system.
- Huge User Community
OpenSUSE is one of the best Linux distros that has been around for more than 25 years. With various functions and features, this operating system can become one of the best and has many users, especially people who are in the IT field.
This gives openSUSE a large user community. Not only that, the developer community who helped develop this operating system is also getting wider. This will make it easier to share with fellow users or find solutions if you experience problems while using this OS.
- Regular Updates
First released in 1996, openSUSE has been in use for more than 25 years. However, until now this OS is still growing rapidly following the times and increasingly complex user needs. Moreover, because this OS is developed open-source, many people can contribute to making its development faster and better.
- Reliable Performance
OpenSUSE is a feature-packed OS that gives you the flexibility to manage the entire operating system. This OS is also capable of handling many complex processes and data management at once. Not only that, but openSUSE is also lightweight, secure, and fast.
Disadvantages of OpenSuse
Everything has its pros and cons, including openSUSE. Here are the disadvantages of this one operating system for consideration before using.
- Complicated Installation
Installation package files, especially for drivers, use system dependencies. In this case, openSUSE uses YaST which serves as the control center for the entire operating system. If you are familiar with Windows, its function is similar to the control panel. YaST does provide flexibility for users, but it is also complicated. Because it must understand how to install these packages manually.
- No Multimedia Default Codec
openSUSE does not have a default codec for audio and video. When installing this operating system, the multimedia codec is not included. So you can’t play audio or video on your computer before downloading the codec manually.
- Not Suitable For Beginners
OpenSUSE has many interesting features and can be used for various purposes. Not only for PCs but also for system and network needs in large companies.
This makes openSUSE a fairly complex operating system. So it takes a more advanced ability to be able to operate it optimally. If you are a beginner who is using Linux for the first time, you should choose a simpler operating system.
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