Novell Packs Apps Into SuSE Linux 9.3
Thursday, at CeBIT, Novell publicly unveiled SuSE Linux Professional 9.3. The complete distribution is packed full of hundreds of desktop applications from the open source community, home networking capabilities, as well as support for the latest PC hardware.
The 9.3 release is championed by Novell as a stable and secure alternative to Microsoft Windows that will appeal to novices and experienced Linux user alike.
On a high level, SuSE Linux Professional 9.3 is built atop the Linux Kernel 2.6.11, using either KDE 3.4 or GNOME 2.10 as its default desktop environment. As opposed to retail versions of Windows, SuSE can take advantage of the latest PC processors, including the AMD Athlon 64 and Intel Extended Memory 64 Technology.
Novell has provided Linux users with a catalogue of end-to-end desktop applications. Productivity software, Internet tools and multimedia viewers are all included. Reflecting today's hostile Internet environment, the package also integrates system security: a firewall, spam blocker and virus scanner.
With souped up mobility support, SuSE is now more welcoming to portable devices. Developers have added file management support for Apple's iPod, improved synchronization with mobile devices such as PDAs and phones, and better configuration utilities for BlueTooth and Wi-Fi. More advanced networking features include the Apache Web server, database connectivity, SAMBA and Linphone Voice-over-IP (VoIP) software.
SuSE also provides a glimpse into the future of server-based Linux by making available a preview of the XEN virtualization environment and an array of "intuitive search engines". The XEN engine is backed in part by IBM.
"SuSE Linux Professional has always been popular among new Linux users and technical enthusiasts who gain access to the latest enhancements to Linux and open source with a cost effective and easy-to-use Linux operating system," said Markus Rex, Novell vice president. "SuSE Linux Professional also provides corporate Linux users a preview of the technologies in Novell's future enterprise Linux."
SuSE Linux Professional 9.3 is scheduled to ship to retailers and online stores in mid-April. Pricing is set at 77.54 euros, with a suggested update price of 51.68 euros. Students who prove their eligibility receive pricing discounts. Pricing details for the United States have yet to be announced.