How to Install OpenSUSE Linux 11.3

OpenSUSE Linux is an offshoot of the popular SuSE Linux distribution that has been in existence since the 1990's. When Novell purchased SuSE, one of the changes they made was to allow the distribution to be more open and community-based than previous versions.

SuSE Linux has a history of being a good Linux distribution for beginners-in fact, this writer cut her teeth on Linux with a personal version of SuSE Linux back in the 1990s. She learned the hard way of the challenges of installing Linux back in the early days, but not only loved what she saw she still uses Linux to the time of this writing.

OpenSUSE Linux 11.3 was released on July 15, 2010 and can be downloaded at OpenSUSE.org by clicking this link. You will need to have a blank DVD available to burn the disc image to. Choose your download preference and computer type by highlighting the correct radio buttons and click the button labeled "Download DVD."

If you are new to the world of Linux it is recommended that you use a test computer to complete your first Linux install. If you do not have an old computer sitting in the closet ask friends and family if they have one laying around unused. This will allow you to safely play and experiment without concerns about losing data or the existing functionality of your current computer.

Regardless of the experts who encourage you to wipe your current computer and go "cold turkey," I seriously advise against it. While OpenSUSE and other Linux versions are excellent operating systems, there is not only a bit of a learning curve but things can and do go wrong on occasion, as they can do even when installing a Microsoft Windows operating system. Using a test system allows you to play in a relaxed environment without the stress of having to learn how to do everything at once in a new operating system. This, in my experience, makes the adventure less harrowing and much more fun! You can play and experiment but still have your regular computer for day-to-day activities as you learn the new operating system. If you need to do something yesterday-no problem! Just use your Windows computer while you learn!

NOTE:Back up any files on the test computer that you cannot afford to lose. This process will Destroy ALL data on the hard drive! Don't forget to burn a copy of the Restore Discs for the computer just in case you ever wish to reinstall Microsoft Windows!

Step One:

Burn the ISO file to a DVD using the image burning program of your choice. If you don't have one I recommend ImgBurn, an open-source program that is free and easy to use.

Step Two:

Place the burned DVD into the DVD drive of your test computer and press "Ctrl" + "Alt" + "Del" to restart your computer. Instruct your computer to boot from the optical drive.

Step Three:

Press the Down arrow key to begin the installation process. OpenSUSE will take a few moments to load.

Step Four:

Select your language and keyboard layout using the drop-down menus provided. Read the license agreement and then click the "Next" button.

Step Five:

Verify that the "New Installation" radio button is highlighted, there is a check in the box labeled "Use Automatic Configuration," the box beside "Include Add-On Products from Separate Media" is empty and click the "Next" button to continue.

Step Six:

Select your region and time zone using the drop-down menus, remove the check beside "Hardware Clock is set to UTC" (unless your hardware clock is set to Universal Time) and click the "Next" button.

Step Seven:

Place a dot in the radio button beside "KDE Desktop" and click "Next."

Step Eight:

Click "Next" to accept the Suggested Partitioning and proceed.

Step Nine:

Enter your full name, your preferred user name and your password in the boxes provided. You will have to enter your password twice to verify that you typed it correctly. Place check marks in all three of the empty boxes and click "Next."

Step Ten:

Click "Install" after you verify that all of the settings are correct. You will have to click "Install" once again in another window-this is OpenSUSE's way of making sure that you know what you are doing. You did back up all of your files, didn't you? If you did, click that second "Install" button. OpenSUSE will now start installing. This will take a few minutes, so go grab a cup of coffee, relax and read the info that OpenSUSE will display to tell you more about the operating system that you are installing. It will reboot when it is finished, so when you come back you will discover yourself in a new world!

Step Eleven:

Enjoy your new installation of OpenSUSE 11.3!

Source:

Downloaded copy of OpenSUSE Linux 11.3