4. Observations And Analysis

Using a single DVD image and a conservative package selection, installation of both Fedora and openSUSE completed cleanly and efficiently. Updating either platform using a broadband Internet connection proved quick and relatively painless. Sound, video, and input devices all detect, install, and configure cleanly so no hunting down of drivers was necessary with our test notebook. Working with other notebooks and hardware configurations you may not be so lucky. Should any complications arise some experimentation and trial-and-error driver search and installation will inevitably prove necessary.

The installation process for openSUSE initially seems slow. However, that perception stems primarily from a lack of on-screen information during installation. Just hit Escape after the boot splash clears (by activating a boot action like installation) to see the fourth image below. Both Fedora and SuSE installations finished in less than half an hour when we used a conservative package selection, where installation time can weigh heavily on waiting for the process to grind to its inevitable conclusion.

Click on the above image to see a larger version.

Images of the initial Fedora Core installation process follow: