Overview of the openSUSE Operating System

openSUSE is a free and open-source operating system based on the Linux kernel. Developed and maintained by the community, it is designed for a wide range of users, from beginners to professional developers and system administrators. openSUSE is known for its stability, flexibility, and a rich set of tools for system customization and management.

History and Development of the Project

The openSUSE project was launched in 2005 by Novell, which was later acquired by Attachmate and then Micro Focus. In 2014, the community took on greater responsibility for the development of the system, leading to the emergence of two main versions: openSUSE Leap and openSUSE Tumbleweed. Leap is a stable release based on the stable releases of SUSE Linux Enterprise, while Tumbleweed is a rolling release version that is constantly updated and contains the latest packages.

Main Features of openSUSE

• Dual-branch distribution: as mentioned, Leap and Tumbleweed. Leap is ideal for users who need stability and predictability, while Tumbleweed is for those who want the latest software versions.


• YaST — a powerful system configuration tool: this is a universal interface for installing, configuring, and managing the system. YaST makes it easy to manage packages, network settings, services, and other aspects of the system.


• Broad hardware support: openSUSE is compatible with a variety of platforms and devices, making it a versatile choice for different purposes.


• Extensive software repositories: thanks to the use of RPM and open repositories, users have access to thousands of programs and libraries.


• Integration with KDE and GNOME: by default, openSUSE offers KDE Plasma and GNOME desktop environments, allowing users to choose the most convenient interface.

Installation and Initial Setup

The openSUSE installation process is quite simple and intuitive. First, you need to download the ISO image from the official website and write it to a medium — a USB drive or DVD. After booting from the installation media, the installation wizard launches, guiding the user through the main steps: selecting language, disk partitioning, package installation, and creating user accounts.

During installation, you can choose the system type: minimal, standard, or with a pre-installed desktop environment. Network settings, repository selection, and additional components can also be configured. After the installation completes, the system reboots, and the user gains access to a fully configured operating system.

Desktop Environment and Interface Overview

openSUSE offers users two main desktop environments: KDE Plasma and GNOME. The choice depends on personal preferences and tasks. KDE Plasma is highly customizable, with a modern design and many built-in features. GNOME, on the other hand, provides a minimalist interface focused on simplicity and efficiency.

The openSUSE interface is user-friendly for beginners, thanks to convenient menus and settings. Experienced users have access to the command line, which allows deeper system management and automation of processes.

Package Management and Updates

openSUSE uses the Zypper package manager, which provides a fast and reliable way to install, remove, and update software. Zypper commands allow managing repositories, searching for packages, and resolving dependencies.

zypper refresh

zypper install <package_name>

zypper update

System updates can be performed manually or automatically. For users who prefer a graphical interface, YaST is available — it offers convenient management of updates and repositories.

Community and Support

One of the strengths of openSUSE is an active community of users and developers. On official forums, chats, and mailing lists, you can get help with any questions related to the system. There is also extensive documentation, guides, and educational materials.

For corporate clients, commercial support from SUSE is available, providing professional services and guarantees of stable operation in a business environment.

Advantages and Disadvantages of openSUSE

• Pros: high stability (especially in Leap), feature richness, flexible configuration, active community, support for Rolling Release in Tumbleweed.


• Cons: potential complexity for beginners when choosing the version and configuring the system, the need for regular updates in Tumbleweed, which can lead to unpredictable failures.

Conclusion

openSUSE is a powerful and flexible operating system suitable for both beginners and professionals. Thanks to its stability, numerous tools, and active community, it remains a popular choice among Linux distributions. The division into Leap and Tumbleweed versions allows everyone to find an appropriate option based on their needs: stable operation or the latest software innovations. Overall, openSUSE continues to develop and improve, offering users a reliable platform for work, learning, and entertainment.