ASSIGNMENT QUESTION CBLX3103 - INTRODUCTION TO LINUX

SOALAN TUGASAN /ASSIGNMENT QUESTION CBLX3103 - INTRODUCTION TO LINUX

a)Make a thorough comparison between SuSE Linux and Ubuntu by providing your own opinion wherever possible.
b)Between SuSE Linux and Ubuntu, which would be your choice? Critically justify your answer.

================My Answer=====================

1.0       Introduction

1.1       Suse Linux

Founded on September 2, 1992 by four people from Nuremberg, Germany, namely Roland Dyroff, Thomas Fehr, Burchard Steinbild, and Hubert Mantel formed company called "Company for Software and Systems Development,". The company until now known as SuSE.. SUSE is the original provider of Linux. SuSE Linux is the only operating system that can be supported by the Linux VMware, Microsoft and SAP. SuSE Linux is also supported by the many companies that provide Linux branches to their customers.  “SuSE provides a variety of versions of its very popular distribution. SuSE Linux 8.2 became generally available April 14, 2003. For business customers SuSE offers Enterprise Linux 8 and SuSE Linux Desktop. “(Juergen Haas).

In the early stages SuSE linux version was introduced, the operating system is not being user-friendly because it is difficult to be installed. Starting from this problem, the main developer team has introduced YaST (Yet another Setup Tool). This tool aims to simplify the installation and the user does YaST has unexpectedly received extraordinary from users and thus popularize Suse Linux.

1.2       Ubuntu

Ubuntu is one of the few branches of Linux. Ubuntu is a Linux desktop which was developed in 2004 with the code name 4:10 version called 'Warty Warthog'. Ubuntu starts with a free operating system applications to their customers. Even after several years, and until now, Ubuntu is still available for free. Today, Ubuntu has taken a step forward by providing a special edition for servers, OpenStack cloud, and mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. All editions of Ubuntu issued share the same infrastructure and software. This makes Ubuntu is unique because it shares the same platform from the desktop, mobile devices until the server.

Ubuntu is very different from other commercial Linux. This is because it does not differentiate between commercial version and a free version. Services provided are equal to every customer no matter the enterprise version or the desktop version. Commercial support for Ubuntu team working with volunteers to produce a stable version of Ubuntu for free. Situations where the user has the support of the volunteers and give an advantage to Ubuntu to remain the choice of a stable free operating system to the user.

 

2.0       Comparison between SuSE Linux & Ubuntu

2.1       File extension - .rpm & .deb

Ubuntu is debian based distribution and use files. deb to install a new software application. While SuSE Linux using file .rpm to install new software. This means that both use different installation tool during the installation process is done. Its typically not possible to install a .deb on an rpm distribution without some sort of conversion. And the same is true for creating a .deb from a .rpm.

2.2       YaST vs. No YaST

YaST is a key tool in SuSE Linux installation package. YaST are defined from their portal as “YaST is the installation and configuration tool for openSUSE and the SUSE Linux Enterprise distributions. It is popular for its easy use and attractive graphical interface and the capability to customize your system quickly during and after the installation. YaST actually stands for ‘Yet another Setup Tool’. YaST can be used to configure your entire system. Setup hardware, configure the network, system services and tune your security settings.“ Based on the above statement, it appears YaST can facilitate the work of users during the installation process is carried out. YaST also provide some application's ease of use and Install add-on product, download and install patches to keep your system stable, install all the driver needed, install additional software packages or remove installed packages, configure the boot loader and so on.

Compared to Ubuntu, no YaST included.  However, Ubuntu is specially developed to suit users of your level up to those who have been specialists. It is very easy to be installed. Ubuntu comes with a full suite of applications and uses its own interface. All installed applications are placed on the right desktop computer.  In other words, all the installation process can be done from the beginning to the end even though Ubuntu is not supplied with YaST. The difference is only where there is no tool to fix Ubuntu hardware, fix network and automatically configure security system during installation is made.

2.3       No long-term support (LTS)  vs. Available LTS 

The new version of the operating system Ubuntu is released every six months, and every two years the developer will issue edition of the long-term support (LTS). So there is the gap period, the consumer does not get direct support from the operating system manufacturer. They had to get solutions to their problems from the forums and social media only. This is very complicated for users who just want to try with Ubuntu operating system.  Not a problem for those who are very familiar with Ubuntu because they were familiar with the Ubuntu operating system and of course they can use Ubuntu more peacefully without thinking about the cost because it is 100% free. In other words, they are not dependent on long-term support (LTS). So, if you want to save money in the long run without turning to the operating system and are willing to take the risk of updating "patching" the operating system alone, then Ubuntu is the right choice.

SuSE Linux has a dedicated team to support the operating system they sell. The team is known as the “Linux support provider”. Available with a wide range of subscription packages, we can choose the best service according to our needs as either normal desktop user or server operators. Long-term support (LTS) include support for long-term and significant patching into the operating system. Since SuSE Linux comes with the package costs according to user requirements, users will benefit and interest in accordance with the remuneration package the operating system they choose. Table 1.0 below is obtained from suse.com reflect the amount of fees to be borne by the consumer to obtain support services from SuSE Linux Enterprise Server operating system. Prices offered consist of several packages and the user can choose the package according to their abilities and needs.

2.4       Desktop Interface

Ubuntu are solely for use GNU Network Object Model Environment (GNOME) as the default desktop interface while SuSE Linux uses Kool Desktop Environment (KDE) as the desktop interface default.  

GNOME-based is the display in the form of a single portal where users can access to applications, messaging and windows on a desktop. Every part of the GNOME designed for easy use. Surveys are an easy way to access all your basic tasks. One button is devoted to looking at your open windows, launch applications, and check the message. All in one place and is easy to explore and learn even faster Ubuntu for the first time. Figure 1.0 below shows an example of the Ubuntu GNOME.

Figure 1.0

Unlike KDE, the desktop concept they called the Workspace. In all cases, the idea is to give you a customized environment to run all your favorite applications in one workspace and access your information on the same desktop no matter whether it is an internal application or an online application. 

Figure 2.0 below is an example display of the SuSE Linux KDE.

   

Figure 1.0

 

3.0       My Choice & Justification

Both Suse Linux and Ubuntu have their own advantages and disadvantages. Some advantages and disadvantages were compared before. It is very difficult to make a choice, however, we can not use both at the same time. Choice may vary according to the needs and abilities of each individual or group. If given a choice between Ubuntu and Suse linux, personally I prefer SuSE Linux. This is because:

3.1       SuSE Linux has YaST

Advantage in YaST include technical aspects such as driver installation equipment, installation of additional software packages and others with technical affairs. It can save time from searching drivers necessary tools to meet the needs of computer hardware with software. In addition, a bundle of additional software installation during the installation of operating system allows the system to be in stable condition and convincing. This will reduce future problems that may be present due to software that is installed separately.

            3.2       Long Term Support(LTS)

To ensure that the operating system we use is the best, we need to get advice and support from the specialists. No doubt the charges are quite expensive, however we still can choose the lowest fee package. The rest of us can refer to an open forum to solve minor problems. If we experience significant problems that cannot be solved by yourself, then this is the opportunity for us to get a solution from experts in the LTS. As we know, the LTS is composed of Linux experts who are willing to resolve their consumer problems.

            3.3       Desktop Interface

Naturally, people love a simple and practical when doing a job. The original interface provided by the SuSE Linux more attractive and easy to handle. In keeping with the theme introduced workspaces, SuSE Linux desktop display more global than single portal introduced by Ubuntu.

4.0       Conclusion

Included a brief conclusion about Ubuntu and Suse Linux as a result of comparison and reviews written in the above paragraph.  Ubuntu is based on debian linux whereas openSUSE is developed from SUSE Linux. The packet management is controlled by Advanced Packaging Tool (APT) in Ubuntu and by YaST in openSUSE. The user desktop interface is GNOME for Ubuntu and KDE in openSUSE . In more simple, the difference between Ubuntu and Suse Linux illustrated in table 1.0 below.

	Ubuntu	Suse Linux
Base Distribution	Debian Linux	SUSE Linux
Desktop Interface	GNOME	KDE
Packet Management	APT	YaST
Package Format	.Deb	RPM
Support Team	No LTS	LTS

 

5.0       Refferences

http://www.ubuntu.com/

http://linux.about.com/cs/linux101/g/suselinux.htm

http://www.opensuse.org/en/

http://en.opensuse.org/Portal:YaST

http://www.gnome.org/gnome-3/

http://www.techotopia.com/index.php/The_History_of_Ubuntu_Linux

https://www.suse.com/products/server/how-to-buy/

http://melayubuntu.blogspot.com/2009/06/perbezaan-kde-dan-gnome.html

https://island.byu.edu/linux/content/different-linux-distros

http://forums.opensuse.org/english/other-forums/community-fun/soapbox/433813-opensuse-ubuntu-what-differences.html

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9222979/Fedora_Mint_openSUSE_Ubuntu_Which_Linux_desktop_is_for_you_