Novell's SuSE woos Linux 'newcomers'

Novell has claimed that its forthcoming SuSE Linux Professional 9.2 distribution will appeal to "Linux newcomers" as well as technical enthusiasts.

The firm said that the operating system, which is due to ship in November, comes with comprehensive installation media, documentation and technical support designed to make the platform as user friendly as possible.

SuSE Linux Professional 9.2 core technology includes the new enhanced Linux kernel 2.6.8, providing stability and security along with greater hardware support, according to Novell.

The X.Org Foundation's new X Window System X11R.6.8.1 also contributes to overall better hardware support.

Other enhancements include Bluetooth wireless support with automatic recognition of Bluetooth-enabled devices via the YaST central configuration and administration tool.

Bluetooth configuration can be easily set up through YaST, and the software makes it easy to connect to and move between wireless local area networks and other network connections.

The package also includes Novell Evolution 2.0, the newest community edition of the firm's Linux email and personal information client, with integrated support for Microsoft Exchange 2000/2003 connectivity, compatibility with Novell GroupWise using IMAP, plus support for a broad set of standard email protocols.

The operating system will support standard 32-bit PC processors as well as AMD Athlon 64 and Intel Extended Memory 64 technology.

The distribution also boasts advanced power management through an Advanced Configuration and Power Interface, and suspend-to-disk features designed for laptop users.

"SuSE Linux Professional 9.2 offers a wide spectrum of users the benefits of leading-edge open source technology that is professionally designed, cost effective and easy to use," said Markus Rex, vice president of SuSE Linux for Novell, in a statement.