Hello people. I’m new to openSUSE and have a copy of 10 in my hands now. First I have a slight problem. I want to make a new partition in XP to put it on, but there is no unallocated space in my computer. Does anyone know how to get some so that I can put SUSE on my computer.
The other question I had is that is it possible to update from 10 to 11.2 without using a new operating system. Thanks!
Hello,
Why not grab directly OpenSuse 11.2? I wouldn’t recommend to use such an outdated version of Opensuse to start my linux experience… for example, when looking for help, you ll find it easier to do so for the current version.
You don’t have unalocated space, but you do have some free space on your Windows partition, right?
You should Defrag your Windows multiple times, back up anything important to you, and use the Install DVD or CD for Opensuse… It has a partitioner tool, and that will all you need I think.
There are several tutorials and documentation for Opensuse Installation.
For example, you can check this as a good pointer :
NEW Users - openSuse Pre-install (general) – PLEASE READ - openSUSE Forums
Thanks, but I’ll stick with 10 for now. I used 10 for about 3 months before it crashed (not because of openSUSE). I’m accustomed to 10, so I’ll see if I can update from there. Is this possible? If not, then I will go for 11.2. I just think it’s a lot easier without using a new disk.
As for the partitioner software in Linux, I heard that it has some wacked up thing that doesn’t let Windows read that this was changed. When I do it can I partition the c: Drive?
Also, I’d like to ask what is the difference between GNOME and KDE4? The souce you gave me said nothing on it.
Hi,
Welcome to openSUSE.
I would suggest you download a live-CD of 11.2 and try that on your machine, this will allow you to check for any compatibility issues you are going to have with your hardware; if everything works, you can install from the live-CD.
Just uninstall unused programs and delete unneeded files from Windows to free up enough disk space; you will need a minimum of 3GB free (more is recommended).
When you have enough space, de-fragment your hard drive from windows.
Then Backup all your important files.
Then you will have to partition your disk, I believe the easiest way to do this is from within the openSUSE installer (and probably accept the suggested partitions).
To install from the CD just boot from it and select install; either from boot or from the desktop.
I would just install 11.2 as suggested above, so this isn’t necessary.
Come back with any problems, everyone here is very helpful.
But please search for your problem before posting, as others have probably had the same problem before (it will save you having to wait for a reply).
Good luck,
Barry.
Ok, I got another thing on my mind. I was looking into Ubuntu and it looks pretty good from what I saw. What makes openSUSE better? Also, what is the difference between 10 and 11.2? Is it possible to upgrade from the operating system itself instead of using the new disk? The only reason I ask is because as I said, I have a copy of 10 but no blank CDs or DVDs at my disposal.
Hi,
There are many distributions available, Ubuntu and openSUSE are just 2 of them, you can find a huge number of comparisons online; it’s all down to what’s right for you.
I strongly suspect anyone giving up their time in an openSUSE forum will prefer openSUSE.
I would seriously recommend using 11.2 over 10, as 10 is very old now.
Also as I mentioned it is strongly advisable to run whichever version you are going to install from a live-CD before installing.
I suggest, until you have a chance to buy some blank CD’s, do some research and start backing up your files and de-fragmenting your hard drive.
Then run a few different live CD’s of different distributions and different desktop environments, to choose which is right for you.
Regards,
Barry.
It’s actually quite funny. I did everythig in preperation to download it (defragment, back-up, etc), and now I can’t. I know my version needs 5 CDs to download it. How many CDs would I need for 11.2? Also,the new one is free, right?
Also, is it possible to do it from a flash drive? I could do that now if that was the case.
Hi,
Just one CD for each live-CD you want to try.
You could also download the KDE and GNOME live-CD iso’s so that you can try both to see which you prefer.
If you can’t wait to try them out, you could install sun virtual box in windows and run the iso files within the virtual box, to try them out.
Regards,
Barry.
Thanks, I’ll see what happens. I do like openSUSE’s style a lot better then ubuntu’s, so I’ll see what happens. Hopefully something for the best. So all I need to do is download the software and it goes directly to the CD? (Im on XP)
go to Software.openSUSE.org and select the live-CD version with the desktop environment you want (maybe try both).
Check the md5sum of the downloaded iso (if possible).
Use your favourite CD burner (Nero or whatever you use) to burn the iso to a blank CD (if you right click on the iso ‘burn to a blank CD’, or similar, should be an option).
Then reboot from the CD (you may have to choose to boot from CD at the bios by pressing DEL, F2, F12 or whatever it says on the screen).
Have a lot of fun…
Get back to us with any problems, as I said the openSUSE community is always ready to help.
Good luck,
Barry.
You’re welcome, I hope you come to enjoy openSUSE as much as I do.
Regards,
Barry.
One thing before I start. I have all CDs and the link says I need a DVD. What do I do? Do I use Direct Link? Also, will I need a seperate CD burner software, and if so where can I get one? (sorry, again, I never did this before) Thanks!
Select the live-CD option (ie: live GNOME OR live KDE)
then it’ll be a CD iso file.
You can download using the direct link option.
Regarding CD burning software, you should already have something for that purpose in Windows (at least I’ve never used a copy of Windows without some kind of CD burning software).
Try right clicking the iso and see what options you get.
Regards,
Barry.
We’ve all been there and you are very welcome.
Awesome. One last thing before I download. I noticed there, again, are 2 types. One is Gnome and the other is KDE4. What is the difference,because I can’t find anything that really shows what the difference is.
They are two different desktop environments, there are others available too.
Basically they provide the look and feel of the desktop (eg visual effects, icons, menus) and the standard programs (eg text editor, email client, CD/DVD burner, file browser, music playing software); however you can install software from different desktop environments to the one you are using from the repositories (or one not linked to a desktop environment), so you’re not stuck with the one that comes with the desktop environment you installed.
In my opinion the implementations of both are outstanding in openSUSE 11.2.
I use KDE on my main computer and GNOME on my other one.
I suggest you try both, to decide what you prefer, before you install.
Some images of both can be found on the www.opensuse.org by clicking on ‘screenshots’.
Regards,
Barry.
I realize now that I had KDE4 before, and since I need it for entertainment it looks like that’s what I’m going with. They both look like great choices though, especially since Gnome looks a lot like Ubuntu. I also like the top bar of programs too over KDE4. That’s what I have XP for though. I’ll get back to you on anything that comes up. Thanks!