Why Pay for Linux?
Novell Cool Solutions: Question & Answer
Reader Rating 
Q:
Hello, Why should I use SUSE if I can get other distributions for free?
A:
You can get SUSE 9.2 for free.
The SUSE 9.2 distro is 5 CDs worth of excellent software.
SUSE is up to date, very robust, and has great support for its user community both from Novell and from SUSE.
I do all sorts of experimental things to my copy of 9.2, installing "foreign" software and drivers, even patching and recompiling the kernel, and I haven't made it crash yet, which I can't say for other leading distros I've played with.
SUSE 9.3 is worth the money, and you can upgrade from 9.2 for half the price if you want to pay for it.
Have a look at the great new features in 9.3, decide if you can or can't do without them, and get yourself a copy of either 9.2 or 9.3. You won't regret it. I've put in my order for 9.3 as I like the xen and linphone features.
Remember that the more modern a distro is, the better it will support your hardware and peripherals.
If you go the 9.2 route, don't forget to download all the software patches after your install. There will be some upgrades and must-have security fixes you will need.
Stomfi
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