OpenSUSE 13.1 Released and Reviewed 113
sfcrazy writes "The openSUSE team just announced the release of openSUSE 13.1. There are some core points which set openSUSE apart from the popular Ubuntu distro. While Ubuntu has become a more or less Canonical-owned project, openSUSE is becoming more and more community-driven. Looking at the recent controversies around Ubuntu and their move toward mobile platforms, openSUSE seems to be a great option for desktop users."
Third party software (Score:4, Interesting)
I wonder what the status is on third-party software like DB/2 LUW, Oracle, and Sybase ASE. I know Ubuntu can only handle DB/2 LUW. Oracle and Sybase want a RedHat core.
Ah well, it doesn't matter. I've got DB/2 LUW, PostgreSQL, and MySQL running under Debian, and Oracle, Sybase ASE, and SQL Server on a Win7 box, so my database needs are covered.
I've run SuSE in the past though, and did like it. To be honest I can't remember why I switched. I think that was an actual dead machine issue -- I lost a couple of boxen in a car accident about 10 years ago.
I wonder if you can get wayland working on SUSE 13 (Score:0, Interesting)
I'm curious to see how wayland changes the game.
Re:Third party software (Score:5, Interesting)
From what I've seen in the past, if you're looking to run big "name brand" software, your only real Linux choices are Red Hat and Suse if you want to run on a certified OS. It makes no sense to run software costing $100k+ on uncertified platforms.
I've always preferred Suse to Red Hat myself. Suse was always much closer to other Unix releases in the way it did things compared to Red hat which tended to go off in its own direction. Unfortunately I almost always end up having to deal with Red Hat anyway.
Still no MonoDevelop 4.2 (Score:4, Interesting)
When are we gonna get a Linux distro with the modern version of MonoDevelop.
Call it a trap all you want, it's still a dream of mine to write MVC 4 apps under Linux, using the most recent version of MonoDevelop.
Re:Third party software (Score:3, Interesting)
I would not bet my job on a non certified OS though.
If an update to Ubuntu brings down the warehouse and it is found that you were the one who approved the non supported platform where Sybase wont even return your phone calls to restart your business, then do not be surprised if a VP leaves a nice boot imprint on your buttocks as he pushed you out the door after his flight from corporate headquarters.
SuSE enterprise support many of these products (not all). Of course Oracle wants you to use Solaris or at least Oracle Linux so they have a financial incentive to screw you by only supporting Redhat (because they have too.)
I run CentOS in a VM at home for this reason as it is very close to what they use at work which is thankfully free. Would not put it on a real server though doing anything important. :-)
Excellent installer! (Score:5, Interesting)
openSUSE's brilliance is that it allows to choose the desktop you want during installation. This is vastly preferable to Ubuntu's requirement of downloading different flavors (Kubuntu, Xubuntu, Lubuntu, GNOME Remix). I also imagine that it's easier for devs, because it involves less packaging and distribution work.
I'm sticking with Xubuntu myself, because I much prefer the Debian way of doing things. Still, it's heartwarming to see that some things *can* be done better.