New in this release: an updated Linux kernel (version 2.4.10), XFree86 windowing system (4.1.0), KDE desktop manager (2.2.1), GNOME desktop manager (1.4.1 Beta 2), and Samba server for integration with Microsoft Windows computers (2.2). These incremental upgrades present all sorts of useful features, including the Nautilus file manager, Kooka scanner support, hot partitioning of disks, and compatibility with lots of additional hardware (including television cards and, for the first time, touchscreens).
System administrators shouldn't find themselves wanting for file system support under this release. In addition to the new ext3 file system that's part of the Linux 2.4.x kernel, SuSe Linux Professional 7.3 supports the ext2, ReiserFS, FAT, NTFS, and JFS file systems. Unless you need compatibility with an established data volume in another format, you'll probably want to use ext3 (which is both backward and forward compatible with the proven ext2 file system) if you're running a server that must be available to users as much as possible.
The ext3 provides a better availability rate than ext2 because it's a journaling file system, which means it keeps records of the read and write operations it performs on its media. That's valuable because if the system shuts down unexpectedly due to a crash or power failure, the mandatory fsck integrity verification need only look at the parts of the file system that were being manipulated when the problem occurred. Because comprehensive fsck runs can be very lengthy on big ext2 volumes--and because the volumes aren't available during those runs--ext3 gives a clear benefit to server users and administrators. In another boon to reliability and speed, this edition supports RAID levels 0, 1, and 5 in software. That is, you don't need an expensive RAID controller card in your machine to enjoy the benefits of RAID under this operating system.
SuSE Linux Professional 7.3 further distinguishes itself from its competitors by including a heap of server, application, and utility software--pretty much everything available for free download on the Internet--compiled for this kernel and stored, on seven CD-ROMs as well as on a single DVD-ROM, in RPM format for easy installation. The value of the included software is in time saved, naturally, and in usage fees saved if your Internet connection has a usage quota. If you enjoy installing different software packages and putting them through their paces (or if you're a developer eager to check out the competition or verify your product's compatibility), you'll consider the software library a big bonus. A bootable floppy--something several distributions no longer include--is a considerate inclusion that makes it easier for you to install this svelte product on older computers that can't boot from their CD-ROM drives. Further, the YaST2 administration tool centralizes and simplifies configuration work.
Like other Linux distributions based on the Linux 2.4.x kernel, this release of SuSE Linux Professional 7.3 is slicker than ever, and more widely compatible with peripheral hardware. Unlike other distributions, this one ships with nearly every tool and toy you could want, and a generous 90 days of phone, fax, and Internet support for everything short of networking. Consider Red Hat Linux 7.2 Professional if user-friendliness and the ability to select from among several operating systems at boot time is truly paramount for you, but stick with SuSE if you want a strong, reliable Linux and all the trimmings. --David Wall
As for upkeep, SuSE Online Update works from your desktop. It will update your system over the Internet and is as easy as Windows Update. You can run this periodically to download security and program updates or you can use it to update your entire system for free when the next version of SuSE Linux is released. It couldn't be simpler.
The box contains 7 cd's and 1 dvd. The dvd install is awesome because you never have to swap cd's. When you use the "add and remove software" module, it can find any software you need on the dvd. With the dvd, I've never had to use the cd's. I've used all the leading distros. SuSE is the most complete and the documentation is the best. You can't go wrong with this one.
