amr8520 wrote:
> 1. When I install an openSUSE partition on my Windows XP PC, will the
> computer ask me which OS I want to boot to each time I turn it on?
Assuming you’re not over-writing your NTFS partition, yes, it will detect
your existing Windows install and add the entry to the bootmanager.
> 2. Does openSUSE come installed with the drivers I need, or do I need
> to install those manually? If so, how do I find out what I need?
That’s a BIG depends. I would suggest downloading and using a live CD first
to see if the drivers are included for the hardware on which you’ll install
openSuSE.
> 3. Is there a list of popular openSUSE applications?
They’re all popular. 
That’s why they’re included in the distro.
That’s really the beauty of any linux distro: it includes many packages
which aren’t necessarily used by everyone, but are by some who need them.
> 4. What’s the difference between GNOME and KDE, and which do you
> recommend? (btw I saw some of the GNOME demonstrations on youtube and
> they looked really cool, so if it comes down to just looks, I would
> choose GNOME)
That’s totally personal preference. Download both live CDs and try them out
for look/feel. The real beauty is that, regardless of which window manager
you choose, if you find an application you like for one window manager, it
can generally be used in another. An example: I am a KDE user, but I run
Gnome apps like Evolution because I like them better.
> 5. Some applications’ websites list download files for Mac, PC, and
> Ubuntu, will the Ubuntu version work on openSUSE? Do all Linux
> applications work on openSUSE?
Not necessarily. It will completely depend on the versions of various core
utilities, like gcc and the kernel; and the package manager used by the
applications packagers. openSuSE uses the RPM package manager.
> 6. What’s the difference between a Live CD and an install DVD? If I
> want to not have to keep the CD in the drive when I’m using Linux,
> which should I use?
The live CD is very much a ‘try before you buy’ experience. It allows you
to start the OS, install packages, configure services, and so forth without
touching your physical drive. Should you like what you see, I would
suggest downloading the full install DVD as it includes bunches of packages
not included with the live CDs.
HTH!
–
Menes Narmer
menesofmemphis [at] gmail [dot] com
“Unity and humility is the lesson all of history teaches.”
