In the last post, we looked at some of the major features of openSUSE 11.0 such as the KDE, Gnome and Linux Kernel versions and applications that come with it. Let's travel further down the SUSE tunnel to look at the other exhilarating features of openSUSE 11.0. I promise this entry would definitely give you a reason to choose or not to choose openSUSE against Fedora 9.
Something interesting about openSUSE 11.0 is that it comes with openOffice.org version 2.4 that promises to provide users with an office suite that comes with a word processor (Writer), spreadsheet (Calc) and presentation tool (Draw).
This latest version of openOffice.org has updated features such as the improved chart drawing, rectangualr text selection and drag-drop rows and columns in Calc. Infact, it now has the Gstreamer Integration through which you can add embed music and videos into your presentation and othe documents. Sleek huh? (and free too!)
And guess what? openSUSE 11.0 has firefox 3. Firefox 3 has seen major improvements including the impressive tabbing of internet pages (something you got with windows browser is not in firefox!). You can also zoom text or the entire site with firefox 3.0. - this is particularly very handy for easy viewing of websites (especially when you've forgotten your spectacles).
openSUSE 11.0 also had Banshee 1.0 which the application that assists you in video, podcast management and CD burning. Banshee's support for a wide range of devices - from iPods to any kind of mass storage devices makes it pretty impressive.
Banshee functions like your regualry music/video manager and enables you to listen to songs in the shuffle mode and even manage your videos like you do for your songs. CD burning is now possible with Banshee's integration with Brasero. Brasero is an application to burn CD/DVD for the Gnome desktop. You can find out more about Brasero and its distinct functions at : http://www.gnome.org/projects/brasero/
Tasque is a another impressive application in openSUSE 11.0. It is a simple application used for task amangement for the Linux desktop. Tasque even works with another web service that handles to-do lists online. It is simple to use and manages your daily tasks with ease.
Certain applications in openSUSE 11.0 is impressive like the Tasque and Banshee 1.0. The graphics are pretty cool too as they differ from the regualr six-faced cube multi-desktop. What openSUSE 11.0 doesn't have that Fedora 9 has is the liveUSB boot function and the bluetooth applications. Somehow, the liveUSB boot function gives the user more versitility in embracing Linux especially when travelling and the bluetooth applications that now have been stabilised better than before gives the user adequate connectivity to a wide array of bluetooth devices. Though openSUSE 11.9 does have applications like Tasque and Banshee 1.0, in my opinion, these applications could be made graphically/visually more appealing and bluetooth could be the next thing that openSUSE would want to have. So, my verdict is, if you an avid bluetooth user, you have to go with Fedora 9. if you are looking out for a simpler Linux just to manage your files, tasks, videos, photos, music and so on, then you can bravely go with openSUSE 11.0.
Thus, fear not and try out both distros and see which fits you better - just make sure you have a backup of your files before each installation!
P.S. openSUSE has an ongoing event called Hack Week where developers work on projects that they find interesting but not anything related to their reguar work. If you are lucky, you may find some cool new applications/applets for your openSUSE. Or you must just end up together with the community of openSUSE users in creating your own applications!
