SUSE Linux Professional 9.3 targets both novice and experienced Linux users and is designed especially for home and mobile systems. It includes a complete set of desktop applications: office suite, Web browser, e-mail and instant messaging clients, multimedia viewers, photo organizers, and other popular open source applications, says Novell.

It also features the latest tools for setting up a secure home network, running a Web server and developing applications. SUSE Linux 9.3 provides a sneak peak into upcoming server-based Linux, including the XEN virtualization environment and intuitive search engines, the company notes.

The complete SUSE Linux distribution delivers the latest Linux technology for standard 32-bit PC processors, as well as for AMD Athlon 64 and Intel Extended Memory 64 Technology, according to Novell.

SUSE LINUX Professional has always been popular among new Linux users because it is easy to use and cost-effective, says Markus Rex, vice president of SUSE Linux for Novell. Technical enthusiasts are drawn to the system for the latest improvements in Linux and open source.

“SUSE Linux Professional also provides corporate Linux users a preview of the technologies in Novell's future enterprise Linux and a means of growing their skills to remain competitive in today's I.T. market," Rex notes.

Features and Benefits

SUSE Linux Professional includes the following software:

• Linux Operating System: SUSE Linux OS built upon the Linux kernel 2.6.11

• Desktop environments: Latest KDE 3.4 and GNOME 2.10

• Internet tools: Firefox 1.0 Web browser; e-mail and instant messaging clients (AOL, Yahoo, MSN, Novell GroupWise Instant Messenger)

• Office suite: OpenOffice.org 2.0 (works with Microsoft Office documents)

• Graphics and multimedia applications: F-Spot photo organizer, the GIMP 2.2 and Inkscape graphics programs, multimedia viewers, CD/DVD burners

• Integrated system security : integrated firewall , spam blocker and virus scanner

• Advanced networking services: Apache Web server, SAMBA, CUPS, DHCP, DNS and popular open source databases

• Mobility Support: Improved Wi-Fi connections and Bluetooth devices, PDA and phone synchronization

• Virtualization: based on XEN

• Voice over IP support

• Development Tools: Mono 1.1.4; KDevelop 3.2; Eclipse 3.0.1

SUSE Linux Professional is offered globally via major retail channels and online shops. SUSE Linux Professional 9.3 will be available mid-April at the suggested retail price of 77.54 euros (@ US$105).

Customers of earlier versions can purchase an update edition for 51.68 euros (@ US$69); students providing proof of eligibility will be able to purchase the entire offering for the upgrade price.

U.S. pricing will be announced in mid-April, according to Novell.