Currently in version 10.0, SUSE Linux is a state-of-the art desktop operating system that provides you with tools for productivity, a connection to the Internet, and much more. SUSE has always been well known for having the biggest distribution among the “majors.” Hundreds of open-source applications are bundled with SUSE Linux—so many that it takes five CD-ROMs (or 2 DVDs) to hold them all. Half of that includes the source code for the applications, but still more applications than you will probably ever use are available. Some of the available tools are meant for hard-core development of the system. If your personal or business needs change and you need some other software tool to get things done (one of the plethora of tools you have learned within this book, for example), odds are you do not have to pull out your checkbook to get the functionality you need. You need only to fire up YaST and search for the appropriate tool, and in minutes you’re ready to go.

The product offerings keep expanding to include more office-based productivity and collaboration tools as well as programming, development, and networking tools; the list goes on.

You can also call SUSE Linux a very solid development tool for programmers who work with Linux and Unix, C++, LAMP, and so on. Programmers at all skill and experience levels will find practically all the necessary tools for their craft within SUSE Linux. There are text editors galore, starting with the venerable GNU Emacs and vim and including many others of more recent vintage, the GNU C Compiler (gcc), support for Perl, Python, Ruby, PHP, Java, and just about any other language you can think of, and at least two integrated development environments (IDEs) in KDevelop and Eclipse. Manage your large projects with the Concurrent Versioning System (CVS) or Subversion, too.

In addition to all these applications, plus all the routine commands, fonts, and eye candy that you would want in a desktop system, SUSE Linux comes with extensive printed documentation. The Administration Guide covers the installation and other system administration tasks for those with root privileges. The User Guide is a friendlier manual that covers configuring and using a desktop environment, office applications, electronic mail, and other tools. You can read the full contents of both these books through the SUSE Help Center as well.

SUSE Linux is updated with point releases twice a year, but because applications get revised with bug fixes, security fixes, and feature enhancements all the time, you can stay on the cutting edge. Many developers package their applications using the Red Hat Package Management System (RPM). SUSE has always used this method to build its distribution, and many SUSE-specific RPMs have been written. You can use the YaST Online Update (YOU) or the Advanced Package Tool (APT) created for Debian systems and adapted for RPM as well, but RPM is definitely the most commonly used. Whichever you choose, you will be able to package your applications with ease using SUSE Linux.

SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server (SLES) 9 is an enterprise class operating system that will allow you to apply a “server” component to your SUSE Linux knowledge. As discussed within the book, SUSE Linux is primarily used for a desktop operating system. If you need more advanced components and services, such as the capability to cluster your systems so that in the event one of them fails, the other takes over, adding a level of reliability to your system. Tools such as this will not be found anywhere but on the “enterprise” version of the OS. SLES allows you to perform application tuning and offers advanced networking features and more.

You can use SLES as a step upgrade to OES. OES is Novell’s Open Enterprise Server, or OES. With OES, you would need a base operating system in place first, and that’s where SLES comes in. Like most other Novell-based operating systems used in the server-class arena, you will need to install a base OS and then apply the application-based topping, which would be OES.

Novell Linux Desktop (NLD) is a desktop operating system intended for use in the corporate environment. Built upon SUSE Linux, it includes all the features you find there—including YaST, YOU, OpenOffice, and all others. What truly sets it apart from SUSE Linux—and other Linux desktop operating systems— is that it comes with support from Novell. NLD is not sold through retail channels, but marketed directly to Novell customers through the support/sales channel and along with a service agreement detailing the support you expect and will receive.

As of this writing, NLD 9 is the latest version of the operating system, but 10.0 is in development.

The Novell OES is a secure, highly available suite of services that provides proven networking, communication, collaboration, and application services in an open, easy-to-deploy environment. Some of the common components of OES (that bring it above the base version of SLES) include the Novell NetWare kernel, all services currently in NetWare 6.5, and additional enhancements that are in development. This includes Novell’s top-of-the line file, print, and directory services.

The Novell OES incorporates the latest NetWare NOS services and functionality, as well as the complete SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 operating system (Intel-based x86 platform) all under one roof.

With Novell OES, users receive much of the same as they do with SUSE Linux, except as mentioned earlier; the Novell OES is built specifically for server-based services such as the following:

Those who are familiar with NetWare (especially version 6.x) will notice that many of the tools used for NetWare, such as iFolder, iPrint, and iManager, as well as Novell Storage Services (NSS), can be used on Linux.

To find out more about Novell’s OES (or SUSE Linux for the desktop), visit Novell’s website for more information.