Fedora Linux vs. OpenSUSE - What is BEST for you!?

Summary

In this video, the creator compares two popular RPM-based Linux distributions: Fedora and OpenSUSE. The video covers their installation processes, release cycles, package management, and desktop environments. Fedora is praised for its polished user experience, speed, and simplicity, while OpenSUSE offers more customization options through its YaST control panel and is a great choice for advanced users. The video also discusses the strengths and weaknesses of each distro, with Fedora excelling in stability and ease of use, and OpenSUSE providing powerful tools for experienced Linux users.

Takeaways

• 😀 Fedora and OpenSUSE are both RPM-based Linux distributions, with Fedora using DNF and OpenSUSE using Zypper as package managers.
• 😀 Fedora offers a straightforward installation process with Anaconda, while OpenSUSE provides a more customizable experience through YaST.
• 😀 Fedora follows a fixed release cycle with a new version every 6 months and 13 months of support, while OpenSUSE has both rolling release (Tumbleweed) and fixed release (Leap) versions.
• 😀 Fedora ships with GNOME as the default desktop environment, while OpenSUSE lets users choose from GNOME, KDE Plasma, or XFCE during installation.
• 😀 OpenSUSE’s Tumbleweed offers a rolling release, ensuring continuous updates, though slightly behind other rolling distributions like Arch.
• 😀 OpenSUSE’s Leap follows a point release structure, with minor updates every year and major updates every 3-4 years.
• 😀 Fedora’s exclusive feature is COPR, which allows for community-driven repositories, whereas OpenSUSE features YaST, a control center for system management.
• 😀 Both distributions offer a bare set of default applications, with Fedora including the Fedora Media Writer and OpenSUSE providing additional apps like Evolution and the YaST suite.
• 😀 OpenSUSE includes the Open Build Service, which allows users to build packages for different distributions, similar to the AUR for Arch.
• 😀 Fedora is generally praised for its polished user experience, while OpenSUSE faces issues with package management quirks, such as the case-sensitive naming scheme for packages like Firefox.

Q & A

What is the main similarity between Fedora and OpenSUSE?

Both Fedora and OpenSUSE are RPM-based distributions, meaning they use RPM packages and package managers like DNF (Fedora) and Zypper (OpenSUSE).

What is the main difference in the installation process between Fedora and OpenSUSE?

Fedora uses the Anaconda installer, which is simple and quick, focusing on basic setup post-installation. OpenSUSE, on the other hand, uses the YAST installer, which allows more customization during the installation process, offering the ability to select desktop environments and software packages.

How do the release cycles differ between Fedora and OpenSUSE?

Fedora follows a regular six-month release cycle, with each version supported for 13 months. OpenSUSE offers two main release types: Tumbleweed (a rolling release) and Leap (a more traditional point release with minor updates annually and major releases every 3-4 years).

Which desktop environment is shipped by default in Fedora, and how does OpenSUSE differ in this regard?

Fedora ships with GNOME as the default desktop environment, offering a clean and minimal experience. OpenSUSE allows users to choose between GNOME, KDE, and XFCE during installation, with KDE Plasma being the default.

What unique feature does OpenSUSE offer that Fedora does not?

OpenSUSE’s YAST is a unique feature that acts as a comprehensive control center, allowing users to manage system settings, package management, firewall configurations, and more. Fedora does not have a similar centralized management tool.

How does the package management system differ between Fedora and OpenSUSE?

Fedora uses DNF as its package manager, while OpenSUSE uses Zypper. Both package managers are known to be slower compared to others, but they are modern and stable. Additionally, OpenSUSE has a different naming convention for packages, which can cause confusion for new users.

What issues might new users face with OpenSUSE’s package management?

New users might face challenges with OpenSUSE's case-sensitive naming scheme for packages, such as having to install 'Mozilla Firefox' instead of just 'Firefox.' Additionally, users might encounter issues with package installation due to PackageKit running in the background, requiring manual intervention.

What is Fedora’s Copper, and how does it compare to OpenSUSE's software management?

Copper in Fedora functions similarly to PPAs (Personal Package Archives), providing a reliable and safe way to install additional packages. Unlike OpenSUSE, which has more flexibility in its package system but might be less user-friendly for beginners, Fedora’s Copper offers a smoother experience for adding packages.

How does the user experience differ between Fedora and OpenSUSE?

Fedora offers a polished, user-friendly experience, making it suitable for beginners or those who want a straightforward Linux experience. OpenSUSE, while stable and feature-rich, can be more complicated and less polished, especially for new users, due to quirks like network setup issues and more complex configuration tools like YAST.

Which distribution is recommended for rolling release users, and why?

For rolling release users who need stability, OpenSUSE Tumbleweed is recommended over other distributions like Arch Linux because it offers a good balance between being a rolling release and maintaining stability. However, if the AUR (Arch User Repository) is essential, Arch would be the better choice.