5 Reasons Not To Use openSUSE Tumbleweed

Summary

In this video, the presenter shares five reasons why openSUSE Tumbleweed is unsuitable for everyday Linux users and beginners. Issues discussed include a lack of a live installer, difficulty with multimedia codecs, frustrating update processes, and the absence of an intuitive graphical user interface for system updates. The video also emphasizes that the complexity of using the terminal for updates, along with the official advice from openSUSE to avoid Tumbleweed for new users, makes it a poor choice for those new to Linux.

Takeaways

• 😀 OpenSUSE Tumbleweed does not offer a live installer, making it hard to preview before installation.
• 😀 The multimedia codec setup requires additional steps to play videos, with a third-party player like VLC often necessary.
• 😀 Users may face interruptions during system updates without an option to cancel, resembling the frustration found in Windows.
• 😀 System updates in OpenSUSE Tumbleweed require terminal commands, making it more complex than the GUI-based update methods in most distros.
• 😀 New users are encouraged by OpenSUSE documentation to stick with the Leap version instead of Tumbleweed.
• 😀 The lack of a live USB installer makes it harder for users to try OpenSUSE Tumbleweed before fully committing.
• 😀 The installer is considered decent but lacks the flexibility of seeing the system in action beforehand.
• 😀 Some codecs, such as those needed to view YouTube videos, must be installed manually through additional repositories like Pac-Man.
• 😀 OpenSUSE Tumbleweed's update process can potentially break the system, making it risky for average users who are unfamiliar with the terminal.
• 😀 Gnome Software Manager is installed by default, but it cannot be used to perform updates, pushing users toward terminal-based upgrades instead.
• 😀 OpenSUSE Tumbleweed's rolling release model can be challenging for new users due to its complexity and frequent updates.

Q & A

What is OpenSUSE Tumbleweed, and how is it different from OpenSUSE Leap?

OpenSUSE Tumbleweed is a rolling release version of the OpenSUSE distribution, meaning it is continuously updated with the latest software. OpenSUSE Leap, on the other hand, follows a more traditional release model, similar to distributions like Ubuntu.

What is the main concern raised about the OpenSUSE Tumbleweed installer?

The main concern is that there is no live installer. This means users can't try out OpenSUSE Tumbleweed before committing to the installation, which could be inconvenient for those wanting to test it first.

How does the OpenSUSE Tumbleweed installer perform compared to other Linux installers?

The OpenSUSE Tumbleweed installer is considered decent and works in a linear fashion, making it easier to follow compared to other installers like Fedora's. However, the lack of a live USB installer is a drawback.

What issues did the user face with multimedia codecs in OpenSUSE Tumbleweed?

Upon initial installation, the user could not play YouTube videos in Firefox due to missing codecs. To fix this, they had to add a repository and install additional multimedia codecs. Even after that, they experienced stuttering video playback in the default video player, requiring them to install VLC for consistent video performance.

What is the problem with updates in OpenSUSE Tumbleweed, according to the script?

The script highlights the frustration of updating OpenSUSE Tumbleweed, especially since there is no straightforward way to do it through a GUI. Users must manually run a terminal command, which includes additional steps such as checking the packages to be updated, running a backup, and using a screen command to prevent system issues.

Why is the method of updating in OpenSUSE Tumbleweed considered a dealbreaker for the average user?

The manual update process in OpenSUSE Tumbleweed is seen as a dealbreaker because it requires opening a terminal, running commands, and performing multiple checks before updating. For the average user, this is too complex compared to other distributions that allow updates through simple graphical user interfaces (GUIs).

What does the OpenSUSE documentation suggest about new users and Tumbleweed?

The OpenSUSE documentation clearly states that new users should stick with OpenSUSE Leap, not Tumbleweed. This is due to Tumbleweed's rolling release nature, which may be too challenging for new or everyday Linux users.

What is the general tone of the review about OpenSUSE Tumbleweed?

The tone of the review is critical, especially regarding the complexity of using OpenSUSE Tumbleweed for everyday users. The reviewer points out several technical issues, including the lack of a live installer, multimedia problems, and the cumbersome update process.

What kind of users is OpenSUSE Tumbleweed best suited for?

OpenSUSE Tumbleweed is best suited for experienced Linux users or those comfortable with using the command line and managing updates manually. It is not recommended for new or everyday Linux users due to its complexities and potential system risks.

What does the reviewer think about the general user-friendliness of OpenSUSE Tumbleweed?

The reviewer believes that OpenSUSE Tumbleweed is not user-friendly for new users. The need for manual intervention during updates, issues with multimedia playback, and the lack of a live installer make it more suitable for advanced users who are comfortable troubleshooting and handling technical challenges.