Scope:
This writeup is to share some thoughts on how I've setup my 'perfect desktop' running GNOME and openSUSE 11.1. There are other varieties found on Internet, each with a slight difference in setup and choice of tools. It's all good as long as you are getting the most out of your Linux system!
Also, this is not an exact step by step tutorial but meant to give pointers & tips that you can use in your openSUSE setup.
NOTE: At the time of this writing openSUSE 11.1 has some bugs that might make the experience less stable then you normally would expect from this distro. This guide can also be used to install openSUSE 11.0. On the other hand, updates are already fixing many issues making 11.1 as reliable.
For those new to openSUSE or Linux, it's a good idea to read through these two links giving you a better understanding of this os:
openSUSE Concepts
Newbies 11.1 Pre Installation
Writeup Index:
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Installer Specifics & Considerations:
openSUSE offers different type of install media (LiveCD, DVD, network install, etc). I'd recommend to stick to using the DVD to do your install. It gives you all the options and you have the needed packages right on your install media, making for a swift install.
As for the installation, just stick to the defaults keeping an eye on these considerations:
1) Don't use the automatic configuration option, de-select this option at the installer welcome screen. It gives you more detailed control on how your system will be set up.
2) At the partitioning screen, if the partition proposal is not as desired, go for 'Create Partition Setup - Expert setup' option. This gives you complete control on what's gonna happen with your disk layout.
A good basic layout consists of a swap, root and home partition:
- 2 GB swap (more than 2 Gb is useless for Linux)
- 10 GB to 15 GB for your root (/) partition
- 15 GB or more for your home partition
The separate home partition is a good thing to have as it makes future upgrades easier.
For openSUSE I still have the habit of making root (/) a rieserfs filesystem and /home ext3. openSUSE 11.2 will be offering ext4 as maybe also other filesystemtypes. For now, ext3 and reiserfs still make a good combo.
Tip: if you are dual booting with a Windows, create a shared DATA NTFS partition that both OS'es can access without hassle.
* Your optimal partition scheme is dependent on what you will be doing with your system. A desktop will usually require a large partition for /home. If you are also using the system as, let's say, a web or ftp server... you'll probably also want a lager separate partition holding the /srv folder which would be storing the website files.
3) Your DE choice? (Desktop Environment)
This setup is focused on the GNOME desktop. You are of course welcome to choose KDE, XFCE or one of the other options. KDE 4 users: after installing your system, grab a copy of the 4.2 update, available here
4) Network setup
Disable ipv6 , as IPv6 isn't used in most cases it's best to disable it. Leaving it enabled can lead to network sluggishness on your system.
NOTE: It's possible that you will get a 'network not running' message after configuring your network settings. It's safe to ignore the error and continue your installation.
5) Don't choose to run the on-line update during install. You can do this after successfully having installed openSUSE. I've had two setups break off while trying to update due to some connection error. It's just as easy to run your updates after you've done your initial install.
6) When installing a 64bit OS, also select to install the 32 bit libraries (to maintain ability to run your 32 bit applications).
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With the above considerations, the openSUSE installer should swiftly get you through the install.
Lets get on to customizing the setup -> Page 2 (Adding extra useful packages)
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Added note:
For those who'd like to see what the installer screen will look like, have a look here (Links to howtoforge)
Also check out their Perfect Desktop as they have a step by step overview of installing openSUSE: Howtoforge - the perfect openSUSE desktop
