SuSE Linux 7.2
Server |
Workstation |
SuSE is one of the most comprehensive and stable distributions we tested, though a bit of rethinking was necessary to navigate the CLI (command-line interface) in light of the more traditional and flat directory structure in /etc. SuSE places RC (run command) statements in one (large) file -- /etc/rc.config -- whereas every other distribution we tested has subdirectories for different configuration files and scripts. However, once we had a firm grasp on where to find our configs, and found the rc.config tool in Yast2, we had no problem performing all normal tasks.
SuSE provides a mammoth amount of software, so much so that the entire distribution is provided not only on the seven-disk CD-ROM set, but also on a single DVD-ROM.
Yast2, SuSE's graphical install wizard, is well-developed and offers functionality similar to that of the Red Hat/Mandrake GUI tools. The ability to configure the file system, create a crypto file system (a feature unique to SuSE among distributions tested here), select from among two boot loaders and perform a variety of other functions puts SuSE in a league of its own.
Two products are available from SuSE: SuSE Linux 7.2 Personal and SuSE Linux 7.2 Professional. The only difference between the two (besides a measly $40) is that the Professional version includes several software packages not included with the Personal edition. These additional packages are LDAP server, autoinstaller, clustering tools and development tools; also, Professional offers additional hard-copy manuals. From either edition, the user can choose to install server or workstation, in the same manner as that of the familiar Red Hat. We tested the full Professional version.
SuSE's X interface contains several well-designed administration tools. Yast2 is SuSE's tool for configuring hardware, installed software and the overall environment. The same executable, Yast2, when used in a non-X environment, invokes a text-based utility for configuring similar settings.
As for the workstation, SuSE has a clean menu system, StarOffice 5.2 and many productivity tools, making it a potential alternative to Windows.
Security updates are timely and can be installed from within X, using the software-update utility, or downloaded from SuSE's Web site and installed manually.
SuSE's support model follows a nontraditional path, where issues flow directly into Tier 1 (high level) support for assessment. Low-level issues are rerouted to less experienced technicians. SuSE support offerings range from online response to one-hour resolution. The company even offers a four-hour system-replacement package, where the entire system is replaced in the event that the problem can't be resolved within the first hour of support.
SuSE Linux 7.2, $69.95 (Professional), $29.95 (Personal). Available: Now. SuSE Linux, (510) 628-3380, (888) 875-4689; fax (510) 628-3381. www.suse.com
MandrakeSoft MandrakeLinux Prosuite 8.0 and Powerpack 8.0
Server |
Workstation |
Mandrake is popular among beginners and experts alike, and for good reason. Based on Red Hat's offering, Mandrake adds enhanced configuration tools and is optimized for Pentium-class and above processors.
The Mandrake installation is very polished and should make the Windows lovers among you feel comfortable. Numerous installation options, such as text, graphic and expert, from numerous sources, including FTP, HTTP and CD; choice of hard-drive partitioning utilities; multiple boot managers; security-level settings; and multiple file systems all make for a very customizable installation package. The installer is also more functional than most, letting you go back to any of the past steps to make changes. Unlike most other distributions, Mandrake even recognized and configured our Cisco 802.11b wireless network adapters.
Mandrake's server side offers an array of applications matched only by SuSE. Like Caldera, Mandrake provides Webmin over SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) for secure remote administration from a Web browser. For updating packages and security patches, Mandrake uses the KDE Software Manager and simply adds its security patch site into the search path for updates.
Sounds simple enough, but we experienced most of our problems with Mandrake from this utility. According to the software-update facility, two versions of Apache were available for install. We chose the newer version and selected the install button. The installation failed miserably. We finally were able to determine that the new version listed wasn't even on the install CD. To make matters worse, when we attempted to install the other version of Apache, which was on the CD, the installation failed as the utility went looking for the new version all over again.
The next adventure involved not only the same software installer, but also Mandrake technical support. We decided to patch our system for available security fixes. After instructing the application to search for updates, we received a laundry list of security patches. We selected all of them and fired away.
The install went perfectly -- until we rebooted. Upon reboot, LILO (Linux Loader) simply wouldn't work. Since Mandrake provides 90 days of free tech support over the Web on MandrakeExpert, we decided to give it a try.
We drafted a detailed message describing our dilemma, then waited. For five days. Finally we received a message back, indicating a particular course of action. It wasn't ideal, and didn't completely resolve our problem, but it was valid nonetheless. Four messages later, we were informed that we should uninstall the new kernel and drop in the original one because the installer was failing to reconfigure LILO properly and to relink kernel, map and initrd files. We were disappointed.
We sent a reply to Mandrake inquiring why this happened and how we could prevent it from happening in the future. Also, we asked how we would be able to maintain a secure box if we couldn't install the recommended security updates. The response we received was classic.
Dear Customer, Thank you for using MandrakeSoft Professional Services technical support. Unfortunately, your question is currently not included in our list of free provided support. As a reminder, support is dedicated to operating system installation only, covering the topics shown below.
When we then spoke with a representative from Mandrake, we were informed that Mandrake's paid subscription would have alleviated any support problems we'd encountered. Furthermore, we learned that Mandrake had since "resolved" this issue by no longer allowing kernel updates to be performed automatically. This eliminates an entire population of administrators from being able to maintain the system, since compiling kernel updates isn't a trivial task. Mandrake admits this drawback and says it is actively working on a solution.
You may be wondering why we're slamming our second-place finisher. In a nutshell, we're trying to prove a point. Although Mandrake maintains three levels of support, the first is primarily reserved for its free 90-day support services (which we used). Paid subscribers go directly to the second tier of support and are escalated further based on the time of day and the complexity of problem. In other words, you get what you pay for. Free support options may be OK for the inexperienced home user, but most enterprises will need a higher level of service.
As a workstation, Mandrake offers a large array of software, including Sun StarOffice and KDE Office, along with a variety of multimedia tools and a logical menu system.
For those not installing X, Mandrake offers Setup, a text-based menu system for configuring hardware. It should be noted, however, that this utility adds considerable data to your configuration files. For instance, a typical network-interface configuration file requires only about five lines, and that's all an experienced user would provide (assuming a limited number of protocols are being configured). This leaves the file lean and easy to maintain. The setup configuration utility, on the other hand, inserts a line item for every option configurable, even if it isn't used, thereby leaving your configuration file full of useless information. Although this clutter may not cause any functional problems, manually editing a messy file tends to be more difficult.
Mandrake has a competitive offering, though it lacks polish. We hope version 8.1 will resolve some of those issues. According to Mandrake, that version should be on shelves by the time this article prints.
MandrakeLinux ProSuite Edition 8.0 (server); MandrakeLinux PowerPack Edition 8.0 (workstation), $149 (ProSuite), $69 (PowerPack). Available: Now. MandrakeSoft, (626) 296-6290; fax (626) 296-6291. www.mandrakesoft.com
REPORTS
ANALYTICS
Follow 
