The Novell Linux Desktop (NLD) is a new Linux desktop created by combining two of the best Linux desktops available with leading Novell products and services.
NLD is powered by SUSE® LINUX and combines the best Linux software—including OpenOffice.org productivity software (compatible with Microsoft* Office documents) and the award winning Novell Evolution™ collaboration software—with leading Novell products and services to create a work environment that helps you capture and share business information.
NLD features include the following:
OpenOffice.org productivity suite:Provides word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, drawing, and database programs.
CD nurner:Provides a comfortable user interface to perform most CD- and DVD-burning tasks.
CUPS printing system:Lets you set up and print to local and network printers.
File manager:Helps you navigate files, networks, and devices; designed especially for people migrating from Microsoft Windows. The file manager includes a desktop icon named Computer, similar to the Windows My Computer.
Firefox*:A powerful Web browser.
Agfa* fonts:High-quality licensed fonts, metrically compatible with those used in Microsoft Office, to help preserve formatting and styles across platforms.
RealNetworks* RealPlayer*:Media player for RealAudio* and RealVideo* formats. Works with or without your Web browser.
Macromedia* Flash*:Browser plug-in for display of Flash vector animation on the Web.
Sun* Java* Runtime Environment:Lets you use the broadest range of Java software with the best performance.
NLD offers a host of capabilities for organizations using a mixture of Linux and Windows systems. They include the following:
Microsoft Office format support:OpenOffice.org supports the file formats from Office 97, 2000, and XP, so you don’t have to worry about the format, even when people send you documents from the newest systems.
Citrix*:Lets you establish a session with a Citrix server, which enables the user to access server-based applications that appear to run locally on the client machine but execute on the server.
Metrically compatible fonts:Not only do the files translate, but Novell has chosen fonts that are the same size as those on Windows, to help preserve page breaks, bullet points, and other document formatting.
Windows (SMB) networking:Lets you open the My Computer view and double-click the Windows Network icon to get to file servers and shared volumes.
Communications standards support:Novell Evolution works with POP, SMTP, IMAP, and other standardized communications protocols, letting you use the application as an e-mail client for virtually any messaging system.
Optional Microsoft Exchange support with Novell Connector:With Novell Connector, you can use Evolution to access shared or private e-mail, group schedules, company address lists, public folders, and more on a Microsoft Exchange 2000 or 2003 server.
Keyboard shortcuts:NLD uses familiar Windows shortcuts such as Cut, Copy, and Paste. For information on changing keyboard shortcuts, see Customizing Keyboard Shortcuts.