1.1 Choosing the Installation Media

When installing openSUSE, choose from several media available either online or in the retail box:

DVD-retail

Two DVD9 media, only available with the retail box. The installation DVD contains the openSUSE distribution with open source software (OSS) as well as non-open source software (non-OSS) for 32bit and 64bit systems. The second DVD contains a snapshot of ftp.opensuse.org with a large number of additional packages.

This installation option does not require any network access for installation, nor do you need to set up external repositories to install the full openSUSE. You can, however, make the contents of the DVDs available on an installation server and make them available all across your network.

DVD-download

One DVD5, available via download, containing OSS software either for 32bit or 64bit systems.

Choose this installation option, if you want a fully-fledged openSUSE system consisting entirely of open source software. Beyond the downloading of the DVD ISO, there is no network connection required to make use of this installation option. Once the medium has been fully downloaded and the physical medium created, you can go ahead with the installation. You can, however, make the contents of the DVDs available on an installation server and make them available all across your network.

CD-KDE

The one CD-KDE version which is available via download includes the KDE desktop together with the most popular applications for 32bit or 64bit systems.

Choose this installation option, if you prefer a single-desktop solution and a lean software selection. There is no network connection required beyond the mere download of the medium.

CD-GNOME

The one CD-GNOME version which is available via download includes the GNOME desktop together with the most popular applications for 32bit or 64bit systems.

Choose this installation option, if you prefer a single-desktop solution and a lean software selection. There is no network connection required beyond the mere download of the medium.

Mini CD

The Mini CD contains a minimal Linux system needed to run the installation. The installation system itself and the installation data are loaded from a network source. To install from a network providing SLP, please start the installation as described in Section 1.2.1, Installing from a Network Server Using SLP. To install from a HTTP, FTP, NFS, or SMB server, follow the instructions in Section 1.2.2, Installing from a Network Source without SLP.