The Novell-sponsored OpenSuse Project has announced that a new version of its namesake operating system is available now.

OpenSuse 11.2 is a free secure Linux-based operating system, featuring the latest versions of Firefox, OpenOffice, Gnome and KDE, and about 1,000 other open-source desktop applications, server software and development tools.

The latest version of OpenOffice – 3.1 – includes enhancements to its change tracking and collaboration tools, new social networking tools including microblogging clients Gwibber and Choqok, a major update to the KDE platform, and the latest incarnation of the Gnome desktop.

Storage provisioning has also been improved, and functionality which allows users to encrypt an entire hard drive.

Also included is the first preview of WebYaST, a new, simple-to-use, web-based remote management and administration tool, and installation improvements such as the ability to boot up from a USB.

The release is available in four versions for both x86 and x86-64 platforms.