SUSE Linux, the international technology leader and solution provider in open source operating system (OS) software will release the first fully engineered version of Linux for the Apple PowerPC, IBM RS 6000 and Motorola PreP in mid-June. Of great interest to Mac users and professionals is the inclusion of the Virtual Machine (MOL) MAC on LINUX in the distribution, making it possible to start the MacOS in Linux and switch from one program to the other. In addition, the Mac user also has the option of using standard PCI hardware, such as network cards or TV cards.
"Now, with SUSE Linux for PowerPC, Mac users can experience the speed and power of Linux and have all the benefits of more than a thousand applications that accompany our superior distribution," said Volker Wiegand, President of SUSE Inc. "Our PowerPC distribution is one more step in SUSE plan to provide businesses with a version of SUSE Linux that runs on all popular computing platforms."
At MAC World 2000 in San Francisco, SUSE presented an "engineered sample" of the new PowerPC Linux distribution. The interest, as well as the beta version download figures from the SUSE FTP server, confirmed the high demand for Linux from PowerPC users. The completed SUSE Linux for PowerPC contains a graphical installation tool, complete network and server functionalities, development tools and various graphical desktops. With more than 1000 programs on 4 CD's, SUSE offers the most extensive distribution for the PowerPC.
In addition to databases, firewall scripts, web servers and mail programs, there are other interesting applications such as the video editing system Broadcast 2000, or the powerful image processing program, GIMP. For the installation, the Linux newcomer is guided step by step by YaST2, the SUSE installation setup tool. Automatic hardware detection considerably simplifies the configuration of sound, printer, modem, ISDN card and graphics card. During the installation with YaST2, even network and Internet settings can be configured. When installing software, users can select automatic or manual configuration. In addition, YaST2 starts the KDE desktop, a functional desktop bringing advantages both to newcomers and professionals. For example, existing HFS partitions on the computer are automatically displayed on the desktop. A fast selection menu is also included, as well as a menu-driven overview of all programs installed on the computer.
SUSE Linux for PowerPC expects to start shipping from mid-June onwards. The complete package, which has a recommended retail price of EUR 46, includes a comprehensive handbook and 60 days of free installation support.
About Novell
Novell, Inc. is a leading provider of information solutions that deliver secure identity management (Novell® Nsure™), Web application development (Novell exteNd™) and cross-platform networking services (Novell Nterprise™), all supported by strategic consulting and professional services (Novell NgageSM). Active in the open source community with its Ximian and SUSE Linux brands, Novell is firmly committed to open source and offers comprehensive Linux products and services for the enterprise, from the desktop to the server. Novell's vision of one Net - a world without information boundaries - helps customers realize the value of their information securely and economically. For more information, call Novell's Customer Response Center at (888) 321-4CRC (4272) or visit http://www.novell.com. Press should visit http://www.novell.com/pressroom.
Novell is a registered trademarks; Nsure, exteNd and Nteprise are trademarks; and Ngage is a service mark of Novell, Inc. in the United States and other countries. SUSE is a registered trademark of SUSE Linux AG. * All third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.