I searched forum, found nothing so I open new thread.
I’m not computer expert, but I know a thing or two, I have installed many Linux distributions (including Arch from scratch), Windows and OSX versions to my PC and never I hit wall during OS install, until now…
So I booted OpenSuse from USB, and this thing wants me to configure my WiFi network. Every OS just asks for SSID and password, but OpenSuse asks for some things I partially understand or don’t understand at all…
So what to configure here? Is HOSTNAME my computer name on network? Why is there DNS, routing, nameservers, this is my workstation, not a server?! Why is static IP selected by default and not DHCP? Why is there two versions of DHCP and which to use, both?
I want install OS, install software and start to work! When I have some time I learn this things, not during install.
Can somebody tell me what to configure and WHY I’m configuring it like that, I want to understand what I’m doing not just follow steps.
You should know that openSUSE offers two network management frameworks: NetworkManager and wicked. The former is simpler to use for new users and for those connecting to different network environments frequently. The latter generally suits those operating host machines in a static network environment.
So what to configure here? Is HOSTNAME my computer name on network? Why is there DNS, routing, nameservers, this is my workstation, not a server?! Why is static IP selected by default and not DHCP? Why is there two versions of DHCP and which to use, both?
If you’re using wicked, and configuring a wireless connection (via YaST), then for a DHCP connection, then the AP’s SSID and paraphrase should be all that is essentially required to connect.
The openSUSE guides are a good source of information (applying to the current Leap version and Tumbeweed).
Assuming when you say you are “booting from USB” that you are installing, and you haven’t already completed your installation.
<During the Install> you don’t really have an easy option to switch to Network Manager and properly configure, you are pretty much <required> to configure using YaST (and wicked).
As deano stated, assuming your WiFi network supports DHCP, you should be able to configure only your SSID and password… and for now ignore everything else which will self-configure.
Assuming you are installing using a DVD (and not a Net Install), a network connection is not required anyway for your initial install. A Net install requires a working network connection, if you have questions not covered in the documentation deano pointed you to, post here again.
After your install
Whether your networking is working or not, more than likely (particularly if your machine is mobile like a laptop), you will likely want to open YaST > System > Network Settings > Global Options tab and switch from Wicked(which is suing ifup/ifdown commands) to using Network Manager to manage your network settings. Wicked only remembers one network configuration, and will lose previous settings every time you switch from one wireless network to another. Network Manager allows you to configure multiple wireless networks that can connect automatically.
After you have enabled Network Manager in Yast, in most Desktops you should be able to click on one of the networking icons in you main panel (aka taskbar). One networking icon only indicates network performance, the other will display a menu setting to “Edit Connections” for Network Manager.
Also, after your install don’t forget to update your system immediately.
Desktops like Gnome and KDE (and several others) will run an automatic updater immediately when your Desktop launches, and it may run for many minutes before prompting you for updates. In general though a <complete> update can be accomplished better by running the following in an elevated console