Hi list, I'm currently thinking of a way to make OpenSUSE available to much more audience (specially windows users). My target is to attract more users and developers to Linux platform (making it easy for them to make the switch). Upon testing many distros, I found that SUSE has the most windows like experience to Windows users PLUS a very intuitive admin interface for linux power users.
The easiest way is to distribute it within a Computer magazine that all PC users can access. I thought of three approached to accompish this tasks (given that I have only one CD to include): 1- One CD with just necessary packages to start with (SLICK does a good job in this) [This way will bring many hassles to windows user [installation with windows- hardware not detected - modems support,...etc] 2- Make a live CD for OpenSUSE [I found only a DVD version of it + I Found that you can use it as a READ ONLY [not like debizn based Live CDs]] 3- Make a vmware image of OpenSUSE with packages relevant to audience. [This approach will eliminate HW support, modem support [vmware can use NATing to hadle this], installation support] There is some packages that essential to Windows user but I don't know what is the obligation if I included them within the vmware image namely: - RealPlayer - Acrobat Reader - Flash - Java - All dependednt parts on them. Of course one can update from yast repositories once installed but Internet Connectivity will not be available to some users. I am looking for your help to make the right path. -- Regards, Maged Hussein
