Suse Linux 9.0 Professional Edition

Yes, it is quite possible to lose your Windows partition when installing Linux, but to do this, you have to simply either NOT read the directions or not realize what the software is asking you to do. Windows will happily remove other OSs from your hard drive without even telling you, or will simply refuse to install, OR will install and render other OSs un-bootable.

As for Linux not having hardware support... well, this is somewhat misleading. Not every manufacturer has drivers for Linux, but almost every piece of add-on hardware imaginable is supported or will be supported. As for Linux not having software "on the shelf" at the store... what in the world are you looking for? SuSE comes with *thousands* of packages included. I will admit that if you are a game player, Windows is the platform of choice now, but other than that, you can get just about anything you need ALREADY IN THE BOX. Sheesh.

I have used SuSE since the early days and I absolutely love it. It installs with minimal effort and can run on machines that Windows would have trouble even booting on. It comes with tons of great software and has excellent documentation.

Try it for yourself! if you are like me, your Windows box will be relegated to the role of being for game-playing only.


This is just good.   November 13, 2003
Peter Krogsten (Kolding, Denmark)
16 out of 17 found this review helpful

Been all the way with IT since 1970. Mainframes, DOS, unix, OS/2, Windows all versions.
This is the easiest - and best - I have seen yet. Smart GUI, installs virtually hands off, recognizes even a few exotic pieces of HW (latest Nvidea Gforce plus my camera), and doesn't mess-up my W/2000 - which is not the case the other way around. Hint, if you need both, install Windows first. Suse even adjusts disk space to make room for both.

It is bulletproof, doesn't crash, and as with Redhat which I used before, viruses and worms are unknown.

The delivered suite of programs are more than adequate for most users, and the office package is good. For real serious work, I'd recommend downloading StarOffice which does most things better than MS Office, and is immune to the VBA worms which has pestered the world for quite some time now.

Buy it. Why some people rate this 1 star, beats me.. Maybe they miss the twisting paperclip.


Best Linux OS   October 24, 2003
BigC (Houston, TX)
15 out of 23 found this review helpful

I have used versions 7.3 and 8.1 of this OS. I was going to upgrade to 8.2, but heard about 9.0 and decided to wait.

If you would like to have a rock solid OS that gives you the freedom to customize it any way you want then Suse is for you. No need to worry about the "blue screen of death" like in WinDOZE. If an app. causes problems and freeze-ups, just "kill" it and keep working.

I love Suse Linux because it contains so many apps, and make it easy to to upgrade them. There are thousands of apps on the CD's and thousands more on the web.

Get this distro. and you'll be happy for years!!


Excellent distribution of Linux   October 30, 2003
C. Young (West Jordan, UT United States)
13 out of 13 found this review helpful

SuSE is one of the easiest versions of Linux to install. It makes an excellent desktop operating system with programs such as OpenOffice, Grip, Gimp, Mozilla, and Evolution. SuSE also comes with YaST, which makes setting up your system a simple task.

If you are using the internet, SuSE makes it a positive experience by providing you with applications such as the Mozilla web browser, Evolution email client, GAIM and Everybuddy for instant messenging, and a lot more. SuSE also provides you with a firewall to help keep unwanted intruders off your system.

If you like passing the time playing games, SuSE has plenty in store for you. There are strategy games, solitare games, miniature golf, arcade style games, etc.

If you'd like to take things a bit further, you can easily set up a web server to serve your own web pages, share your files and printer with other Linux or Windows users, or learn to develop your own software.

SuSE provides you with a complete solution to your computing needs at a very reasonable price. Compare that to Windows where $100.00 buys you the operating system and nothing else. For less than this, SuSE provides you with a Microsoft Office compatible office suite, powerful SQL database servers, a variety of software development tools, hundreds of games, and a whole lot more.


Mainly to reply to others...   December 6, 2003
12 out of 15 found this review helpful

I'm not going to sit here and say Linux is for everyone.. Some find that windows is the way to go for them, good for you choose what you prefer! However I converted completely to Linux/BSD systems it's my thing. Most users have been taught how to use the windows interface so when they see a linux interface they get confused, and mad because it's "Not what I'm use to". Again if your not up for a change don't run it. I found the cds to contain everything I need for a workstation/server. With the descriptions of what each item was it was easy enough to tell what I wanted/needed, although they could make it easier to choose packages for newer users. As of the date of writting this windows xp pro costs $269.99 then you add in the price for software easily costing you over a grand. I got what I wanted for alot less. PLEASE don't just buy this because it's cheaper then windows. I suggest you learn more about the linux OS before buying then making your decision based on what you need and how you want to run YOUR computer and don't let anyone else tell you different.

Now to reply to some of the comments:

C> Maybe the linux groups might think on the basics, also after losing ALL my information plus taking my PC to a repair center to have this Linux mess removed! ARRGG I am not happy!

C> One would think after hearing all the hype about Linux you should give it a try. Well, I did and what a nightmare, not only did it cause me to lose ALL of my hard drive because it wiped out Windows. It caused be to take my computer into a shop to have this linux mess removed from my computers hard drive.

Reply> This reply goes to both Comments.. Your mad because you lost your data on your windows partitions.. It's that simple! SuSE asks you about partitions and data but the average user just wants to hit next and kill it all a habbit they learned from windows.

C> Very frustrating and there is NO MULIT-MEDIA SUPPORT!

reply> This just isn't true! I watch DVD's play MP3's watch internet vids, all this is full sound and color.

C> First off let me explain, I have heard how interesting linux is. One would think that is it has some use in the world of computers. But it has NO functionality other than the ability to change themes and icons on the desktop. Good grief, who cares about this kind of non-sense. I need to use business applications not some useless NON-supported freeware apps.

reply> wow missed the web browers, the office suit (does everything MS office does!), the email program, the accounting program. What else do you need for business applications?

C> It is impossible to find software for linux, other than what is on the internet.

reply> Thats kind of the point, I don't have to go to a software store and spend a grand to get the software I want/need. Even Gaming Companys are starting to port to linux, ID software is known for this. Although at this time you won't find the linux game in regular stores mainly online ones such as this.

C> My PC has now crashed trying to install this horrible software. All of my information on my hard-drive (Windows) side is now unavailable, plus when I try to boot my machine it crashes with a kernel panic.

Reply> Without being there I can not help you with the Kernel panic problem, however go on the internet and look up Fdisk and more specifily fdisk /mbr for rebuilding to windows boot however by the time of writting this you've probley fully wiped your hd and reinstalled. Or the other simple answer might be read the first reply..

Again Linux isn't for everyone, I enjoy it and love it. I know in time as linux gets easier and easier so will more people.