SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 9 Released

Barondude writes "For the SUSE lovers out there... SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 9 was released today. Evaluation versions of SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 9 for x86, AMD64 and Intel EM64T are available as free downloads from novell.com."

Comments

KDE Still Rules SuSE

[Anonymous Coward]

Check out the screenshots. It looks like rumors of KDE's demise and GNOME's new ascendency have been greatly exaggerated. YaST is there in full force and KDE is listed first among equals under Graphical Applications on the Technical Feature List.

Now, how long will it take for the Gnomers to cry that this isn't a true SuSE release?! Server, Desktop... you name it, KDE wins out.

Evaluation versions?

[chochos]

I've never seen an evaluation version of a Linux distro before (though I'm sure they've been around for a while). How does this work? do you have to enter some activation code to get the whole thing to work? is it a special version of the kernel modified to stop working after a certain date (and if so, don't they need to distribute the source for that, or you could just replace the kernel anyway)?

Re:Evaluation versions?

[OneDeeTenTee]

It's almost certainly set up on the honor system.

Professionals and/or busnesses who have the money will pay to get the support.

Folks too cheap to pay will either run this without support (and thus cost SUSE/Novell no money) or switch to another distribution which is suitable for their purposes.

Of course if SUSE learned that some big corporation was using the evaluation version they might be able to pursue legal action.

Re:Evaluation versions?

[BrookHarty]

I've never seen an evaluation version of a Linux distro before (though I'm sure they've been around for a while). How does this work?

Its like crack, first hit is free.

Actually, support, engineering and consultants still cost. Just because someone is a linux admin, doesn't give them enough expertise in clustering, dba, or other skills needed to setup a large Linux server farm. Software is cheap, manpower costs. Look how Microsoft is giving software away, but charges for the support contracts.
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Neat http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/08/03/wi-fi_aeri al_gun/

Re:Evaluation versions?

[Proteus]

Linux evaluation versions usually lack (or limit access to) key proprietary features. RedHat evaluations, for example, used to allow only short-term access to the RedHat Network (now, you fill out a survey on occasion to renew your access).

Also, some Linux evaluation versions run from CD, and therefore don't have any installer or package manager. It all depends. However, rest assured that while it is possible to get an evaluation distro to run as almost-like-the-real-thing, you'd likely invest more in time than it costs to just buy the full, supported version.

In this case, as the Novell website says:

Check out this free 30-day evaluation of SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server 9 complete with 30 days of free support & maintenance.(SLES 9 Evaluation Details)

In short, you need a serial number to get any updates from SuSE/Novell, or use any support.

While it is certainly possible to update software oneself, in a corporate environment, the convenience of having someone else (SuSE/Novell) verify (check signatures, review code, etc.) and distribute updates is well worth the cost of purchase.

No More Netware

[rice_web]

Netware was a pain in the ass... thank god our school district is switching to this as soon as possible.