What is openSUSE? Who it is for
openSUSE is built independently rather than on another distribution. It uses KDE Plasma or GNOME as its desktop and zypper for software, and it follows a curated model where updates are released in tested batches.
openSUSE at a glance
- Foundation: built independently rather than on another distribution
- Desktop: KDE Plasma or GNOME
- Software tools: zypper
- Release style: a curated model where updates are released in tested batches
- Installer: the openSUSE installer
Who openSUSE suits
openSUSE suits people who like a carefully engineered system with strong snapshot rollback, in rolling (Tumbleweed) or fixed (Leap) form.
Strengths
- Changes arrive slowly and are tested first, so the system rarely surprises you.
- The KDE Plasma desktop, with a great deal of customisation built in.
- Good tooling for programming, with current compilers, languages and containers available.
- A strong fit for servers and always-on machines, thanks to long support and predictable updates.
Things to consider
- Stability means some software is not the very newest version.
- Software versions are conservative, so brand-new desktop applications may arrive later.
- As a rough guide, about 4 GB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Try openSUSE from a USB drive
The easiest way to find out is to start it from a USB drive without changing your computer. See the openSUSE bootable USB drive, then follow our install guide when you are ready. New to this? Read how to try Linux without installing it and how to boot from a USB drive.
Compare openSUSE
- Debian vs openSUSE
- AlmaLinux vs openSUSE
- Rocky Linux vs openSUSE
- KDE neon vs openSUSE
- Kubuntu vs openSUSE
- openSUSE vs Fedora
Installing software on openSUSE
openSUSE uses zypper. These commands search for a program and install it (replace name with the program):
zypper search name sudo zypper install name
Most desktop systems also have a graphical software store. See how to install software on Linux.
Frequently asked questions
Is openSUSE good for beginners?
It can be used by beginners, but openSUSE is aimed more at people who like a carefully engineered system with strong snapshot rollback, in rolling (Tumbleweed) or fixed (Leap) form. If you are brand new, a beginner-friendly distribution such as Linux Mint or Ubuntu is usually an easier first step.
What desktop does openSUSE use?
openSUSE uses KDE Plasma or GNOME. To learn how desktops differ, read what GNOME, KDE, Xfce and Cinnamon are.
How much RAM does openSUSE need?
As a rough guide, about 4 GB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Is openSUSE based on another distribution?
openSUSE is built independently rather than on another distribution.
How often is openSUSE updated?
openSUSE follows a curated model where updates are released in tested batches.
How can I try openSUSE without installing it?
Write it to a USB drive, restart, choose the drive from the boot menu and pick the live or try option. Nothing on your internal disk changes unless you choose to install.