Novell woos CeBIT with SUSE Linux 9.3

Novell announced the April release of SUSE Linux 9.3, the next version of its consumer Linux software, today at CeBIT. SUSE Linux Professional 9.3 will include a complete Linux operating system featuring a complete set of desktop applications and home networking capabilities. It is pitched as a reliable and secure alternative to Windows suitable for both experienced users and Linux newbies.

SUSE Linux Professional 9.3 comes with a wide range of consumer applications including an office suite (OpenOffice.org 2.0); Firefox Web browser; email and instant messaging clients. It will come bundled with a range of graphics and multimedia applications including F-Spot photo organizer, the GIMP 2.2 and Inkscape graphics programs, multimedia viewers and CD/DVD burners. It will also feature the latest tools for setting up a secure home network (an integrated firewall, spam blocker and virus scanner), running a Web server and application development. Mono 1.1.4, KDevelop 3.2 and Eclipse 3.0.1 are all available out of the box.

The release is built on the 2.6.11 kernel and offers support for the latest KDE 3.4 and GNOME 2.10 desktop environments. SUSE Linux Professional 9.3 also offers a sneak peek into upcoming server-based Linux, including the XEN virtualization environment and "intuitive search engines".

Mobility improvements were a key theme in SUSE Linux Professional 9.2. Novell has developed this in 9.3 with better Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection software, souped-up PDA and phone synchronization and enhanced Voice over IP support.

Users can run SUSE Linux Professional 9.3 on both standard 32-bit PC processors as well as 64-bit platforms (AMD Athlon 64 and Intel Extended Memory 64bit-based systems).

SUSE Linux Professional 9.3, comes with installation guides and 90 days support, and ships in mid-April with at a suggested retail price of €77.54 (excluding sales tax). Customers of earlier versions can purchase an update for €51.68 (excluding sales tax). US pricing will be announced in mid-April. ®

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