Linux Solutions

The tutorial will provide you with advice and guidance on how to install openSUSE system with YaST. It is good to know what is YaST. YaST helps the user throughtout the installation process and provides basic configuration of your system. During the installation and configuration process, YaST analyses both the current system settings and your hardware components and proposes installation settings based on this analysis.

Choosing the Installation Media
It is interesting to note that when installing openSUSE, there is a wide range of media to choose from either online or in the retail box:

- DVD-retail
One DVD containing the openSUSE distribution with open source software (OSS) as well as non-open source software (non-OSS) for 32bit and 64bit systems. This installation option does not require any network access for installation, nor do you need to set up external repositories to install the full openSUSE.

- DVD-download
One DVD5, available via download, containing OSS and non-OSS software either for 32bit or 64bit systems. This installation option can be chosen only if you want a fully-fledged openSUSE system. There is no network connection required to make use of this installation option. Once the medium has been fully downloaded and the physical medium created, installation process can be commenced.

- KDE4/GNOME LiveCD
The LiveCD versions, available via download, include the KDE4 or GNOME desktops together with the most popular applications for 32-bit or 64-bit systems. This medium can be chosen if you want to have a look at openSUSE. The LiveCD version runs on your computer using RAM without touching the hard drive and no installation is required. There is no network connection required beyond the mere download of the medium.

In order to install from a LiveCD, boot the live system from CD. In the running system, launch the installation routine by clicking on the Install icon on the desktop. Phase one of the installation will be carried out in a window on the desktop. It is good to know that it is not possible to update or repair an existing system with a LiveCD, and only a new installation with automatic configuration can be performed.

- Mini CD
The Mini CD contains a minimal Linux system which is required to run the installation. The installation system itself and the installation data are loaded from a network source.

Those were different medias when installing open SUSE.