I’ve been writing this post for a couple of days now, which is a bit unusual for me, so grab a coffee because I’m about to go into a pretty long one, so long I’ve had to split the topic into two parts. For this first post I’ll be talking about Linux, open-source, microsoft and specifically the new SUSE Enterprise Desktop distribution from Novell.

I’ve been a Windows user ever since I actually started using a computer. Over the past few years I’ve become more and more disenfranchised with the actual system. The reason behind this is very simple. I’ve been using the same environment for over 5 years now. Some would say well that this means I’m perfectly happy with the system that I’m actually using. In some ways I am, but that’s more due to familiarlity rather than anything else. The easiest way to put this into perspective is the difference I feel when using Firefox and if I’m FORCED to use Internet Explorer for some shitty programme at work (usually the bane of my life, timesheets).

In the same way that the Mozilla foundation took on Microsoft for a position in the web browser market and kept on pushing and pushing so is Novell primed to try and emulate that success, however taking on Microsoft at something that even Apple has found it terribly difficult to do and that’s take a decent slice out of the coorporate market. With this release Novell provides a completely viable alternative that is both INNOVATIVE, fresh and well thought out.

With that though in mind, Windows hasn’t really moved forward in these 5 years. Oh sure we’re “blessed” with SP1 and SP2 along with a couple of sellotape additions to the operating systems but it’s the same innovation that made Mozilla a player in the browser market that’s going to make Novell a contender for a slice of the desktop market and take it away from Vista. The truth of the matter is that I’ve not actually played around with this new OS (it’s currently in private beta). I’m just running on what I’ve been able to find out over at the Novell website which was enough to get me completely excited about the whole thing. You can also have a look at some preview videos showcasing the new operating system.

Environment

Gone is the slightly dated KDE icons. I remember when I saw these icons a while ago I thought they were the best thing since sliced cheese. I honestly really liked what I saw here (even used it for ages as my windows skin as well) but I think it's a very wise decision for Novell to ditch those icons and go back to the GNome interface. It's slightly more sedated and slicker in my opinion, combined with the rest of the interface design. The typography seems to be very clear, and the design is very simple on the eyes and very intuative.

The first aspect that I seriously like is their ‘computer’ area. It’s simple and clear and very well thought out. Why is it a start menu or a little apple icon? It’s all to do with your computer and should be called as such. This I’m sure is all part of the Better Desktop initiative that is actually sponsored by Novell.

Usability

For me the single biggest aspect of it all is the fact that the Search function becomes the single most important aspect of the design. It's found everywhere you go and in all honesty this is a great move. Now you don't have to look for an application based on a massive list of links but rather you search for what kind of thing you want done, which is a concept that really works for me.

There are several enhancements to this desktop environment that are very exciting. Mainly the multiple desktop feature which has been a standard for many Linux distributions for a good long while now. It’s nice to have a great animated way to go through the multiple desktops. The ‘alt-tab’ function where you get a preview of the application is another fantastic addition to this environment as well. As well as the OS X tiled windows on the same screen feature also looks like a nice addition to it’s already impressive arsenal.

Of course the extra additions of being able to search through conversations emails, etc is another fantastic addition/feature.

Cost

It seem that we'll be able to download the latest version from Novell from the web directly. If we're up for getting bug fixes and other cool little things directly to our environment without any hassle etc, then the price is probably going to be $50 for 7 years or whatever. I'm seriously considering getting the full user experience just because I know I'm going to jump into this head first. We all know that the initial release will probably not be as powerful as the further releases that will hope to fill in the gaps that nearly all releases end up having.

Maybe I’m making far too much out of nothing. I’ve tried other linux distributions in the past that have been hailed as the second coming, and to be honest I’ve not be overtly impressed. However one thing I’m definitely sure about is that I’ve not been this excited to try and play around with an operating system in nearly 5 years, since XP was released.

The bad news

According to this article the shipping date has been delayed to at least 17th of July.

..to address final issues with our new package management, registration, and update system and also fix the remaining blocker defects.

I’m sure I’ll be able to grab a copy of the software before this date, but I think I’ll wait a little while and make sure a few of the bugs are ironed out before I make the leap. I might play around with the Live CD (for those in the dark about such things, Linux Live CD/DVDs enable you to check the operating system without actually installing it).

Join me for Part 2 when I talk about what this move means to the software I use as a designer and illustrator. Linux isn’t traditionally known as a platform that has the software that the creative community requires, namely Adobe and Macromedia (it will always be macromedia to me) products. The answers might surprise you.