Linux installation has never been this simple. Even Linux novices can install openSUSE 10.3 in a few easy steps:
1. Language Selection
After you insert the first DVD of openSUSE 10.3 into your machine, the graphical installation tool YaST will launch. Select your preferred language from the list that appears.
2. Installation Mode
After you accept the end-user license agreement, YaST checks your hard disk. If you already have installed an older version of openSUSE, YaST asks you whether you want to update your system or make a new installation. If you have an older version of openSUSE installed, choosing "Update" will preserve your existing files. Choosing "New Installation" will erase your existing work. To offer you the full set of software available "Add online respository" is selected by default. This will add our ftp tree to the installation sources and provides numerous additional software packages for literally any needs.
3. Desktop Selection
After setting or accepting the suggested time zone, you need to choose your preferred desktop environment, KDE or GNOME. Both have elegant, modern GUI interfaces and use state-of-the-art default applications for general-productivity tasks. If you want to try out both interfaces, you can. For now, choose one and later, in the installed system, you can install the other one. Then, you can easily switch between GNOME and KDE each time you log into the system. It's easy.
4. Installation Settings
YaST automatically checks your system and presents you with an installation proposal; to see more details of the installation settings that YaST has recommended, choose the expert mode. If you wish, you can easily install additional applications or change the settings. When you're satisfied with your choices, simply click Accept.
5. Password for System Administrator "root"
Linux protects your system by leaving many configuration options accessible only via a special Administrator ID and password. You will use your computer as a standard user, but to install or modify programs or important settings, you will have to log in as the "Root User." When you are operating as a standard user, you are better protected from harmful programs.
6. Network Configuration
The next step is the configuration of the Internet connection. Network cards, modems, ISDN cards and DSL devices are automatically detected. An extensive list of preconfigured ISPs facilitates the configuration of your Internet provider.
7. Online update configuration
During the installation, we recommend that you update your system with the online update service. This assures that all available updates and patches are conduct on your computer and your system is up to date.
8. User Authentification Method
Just before installation completes, openSUSE offers you the choice between a standalone system and a network system. Newcomers can simply confirm the default setting "Standalone System" by pressing the Next button, while experienced users can select their preferred user login methods for network use. On standalone systems you will be prompted to create a user ID.
9. Release Notes
Just before the installation finishes, the release notes are displayed. This is important information about openSUSE that became known shortly before the development process was completed and could not be included in the documentation.
10. Hardware Configuration
openSUSE will configure now the remaining system hardware. Usually, all components—including the graphics card, TV card, sound card, printer, scanner and monitor—are automatically detected and merely need to be confirmed. Of course, experienced users can use YaST for fine tuning.
11. openSUSE greeter
Finally the openSUSE greeter provides more information about the openSUSE project, the openSUSE Build Service and offers a direct link to community support possibilities. The susegreeter has an icon on the desktop—so you can easily look at this useful information again at a later stage.