Suse set to launch a Linux for home users

SUSE LINUX today lifted the lid on an upcoming version of Linux designed for home users.

Linux, of course, has never been that easy to use -- except maybe for those prepared to knock up a bit of code on the side to help it along, but now SuSE reckons the open source operating system is mature enough to be marketed at know-nothing home users.

SuSE Linux 8.2, says SuSE is easy to use. It incorporates the latest of version of KDE 3.1 - what we used to call a graphical user interface - to give home users an easy transition from "other platforms".

The OS features its own browser [is that allowed? ED.] as well as a version of OpenOffice, with word-processing, spreadsheet, presentation tools and the like. Also included are CD/DVD writing applications, sound mixing, editing, and an integrated synthesiser, plus - for the first time - MainActor, a professional video editing application, that enables users to compose and edit digital movies.

SuSE Linux 8.2 will be available from April 14, directly from the manufacturer and in the shops. SuSE Linux 8.2 Personal (3 CDs, User Guide, 60 days of installation support) costs $39.95. The professional version (5 CDs, 2 DVDs, User Guide, Administration Guide, 90 days of installation support) will be $79.95.

More information is available from SuSE here. µ