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SuSE 7.0
DickBreath writes: "It looks like SuSE 7.0 is released. See http://linuxpr.com/releases/2272.html. Now I wonder how soon it will be on my local bookstore's shelf." cloudmaster points to this description -- in German, there for the babelfishing adventurer -- of the new release. In addition to the ever-evolving SuSE logo, you'll find there that SuSE is branching ala Red Hat and others into Personal and Professional versions; the Personal comes with "three easy to understand handbooks" intended to guide new users, one of which is all about system configuration.
With version 7.,0 SuSE goes in new directions. After seven years as the most successful Linux distro in the German market it is now popular (?) with Linux developers. With Personal SuSE for a desktop PC and on through the extensive Professional SuSE for workplaces, SuSE Linux meets all the demands and requests.
SuSE Linux 7.0 Personal
SuSE Linux 7.0 Personal is recommended for Linux developers and users who would like to become acquainted with the advantages of a free Unix clone on a desktop computer. In addition to thecurrent Linux system, the three CD-ROMs contain numerous games, multimedia, graphics, and Internet applications. StarOffice 5.2, a complete office package, is included, guaranteeing a smooth data exchange with other office applications thanks to its revised import and export filters.
Three easily understandable manuals arrange information on operating the new system for the Linux beginner: The "Quick Install manual" describes the Linux installation on 64 color pages with numerous step-by-step pictures. The new "Configuration" book teaches the user how to configure the printer, scanner, CD-R driver, how to merge sound and TV cards optimally, and how to arrange the KDE Desktop to your taste. The last manual, "The Programs" presents an overview of the most functions of Netscape Navigator, the GIMP, Acrobat Reader and Midnight Commander in compact form.
SuSE Linux 7,0 Professional
SuSE Linux Professional 7.0 offers to ambitious home users (such as IT professionals) an extensive collection of over 1,500 current Linux tools and software packages. SuSE Linux Profesional contains the tools to implement Intranet and Internet solutions, as well as the connection and protection of those networks. Professional users will find all the tools to operate WWW, proxy, mail, and news servers under Linux. The user can choose between 6 CD-ROMs or a DVD, all of which are contained in the Professional package. A total of four manuals supply over 1000 pages of current Linux know-how, as well as covering special topics such as network configuration and security.
SuSE Linux 7.0 updates
In addition, SuSE offers a economical update version to experienced Linux users. Its software scope is identical to SuSE Linux 7.0 Professional; in place of the detailed 650-page SuSE manual, a compressed 60-page informs users about the most important innovations.
(Okay, I haven't taken German in a few years, but this should at least provide some information...)
I'm an advanced user, so my opinion of what might be good for a beginner is probably very skewed.
I've been running SuSE for a while now, since a co-worker of mine went to work for them. One of the major things that attracted me to it was that one of the install options is the ability to choose ReiserFS as your default (root) filesystem.
I first installed 6.3. Recently, I installed a new box with 6.4-eval (they call their downloaded versions evals). I'm not at all afraid of non-graphical installs - I've been installing commercial UNIX boxes over a serial console for years. I found myself very much impressed with the graphical configuration/installation that SuSE has going. It found my hardware, presented appropriate technical options [module params] if you wanted them, etc.
All in all, I think it's a perfect blend of easy-to-use, and the level of control that your typical UNIX geek wants. The configure scripts are well thought out, and centered around a core "/etc/rc.config" settings file - which you can edit yourself if you wish, or have YaST do it for you.
..and it comes with damn near everything, but doesn't install all the fluff unless you want it to.
They offer add-on packages that aren't really part of the distro because they're not really mature yet, such as XFree86 4.0, on their FTP site.
Furthermore, they're going from a release 6.4 to a 7.0. This isn't abnormal. Part of it may be version creep - but it really wouldn't surprise me if it does, in fact, merit a full version increment.
I've tried most of the major Linux distributions - and SuSE is the one I've stuck with.
-Jeff