Report about OpenSUSE, which seems to contain signs of progress (note: we don't mock OpenSUSE on Saturdays).

OpenSUSE 11.3 has Banshee and the Novell/Microsoft patent deal does not extend to OpenSUSE, so there is a potential problem ahead

Novell's deal with Microsoft leads to OpenSUSE's suffering

Over the course of a few years, and after openSUSE was launched, the relationship of openSUSE internally has been one of constant rediscovery and also lethargy. openSUSE heaveily relies on the power of the community and their votes on certain issues, features, etc. Simply put, openSUSE is democratic.

The openSUSE Project is proud to announce the release of openSUSE 11.0. The 11.0 release of openSUSE includes more than 200 new features specific to openSUSE, a redesigned installer that makes openSUSE even easier to install, faster package management thanks to major updates in the ZYpp stack, and KDE 4, GNOME 2.22, Compiz Fusion, and much more.

OpenSUSE continues to suffer from the relationship with Novell (and Microsoft, by association).

The Linux World is rarely dull, but last week was an emotional roller coaster for users of openSUSE and Ubuntu. First Novell was sold to Microsoft and Attachmate with no mention of the fate of openSUSE. Then Ubuntu founder Shuttleworth told reporters that Ubuntu may switch from the six-month release cycle to daily updates.

While openSUSE community are preparing to release openSUSE 11.2 in the next month, I decide to discover what's new in openSUSE 11.2. I downloaded the RC1 image and start play with it. In short, it is fast, stable and beautiful.

Linux advocate Joe "Zonker" Brockmeier signs on as Novell's community manager and new voice of openSUSE users and developers. Hear his thoughts on Linux love, the challenges he expects from his new role, and why techies choose one distribution over another.