Installation Tools
YaST and AutoYaST
In SUSE® Linux Enterprise Desktop 10, YaST gives administrators an integrated solution for automated installation, configuration, and administration of their desktop systems. Now licensed under the GPL, YaST covers a wide range of management tasks and gives a consistent management experience across all supported SUSE Linux Enterprise platform. YaST also offers convenient APIs so that it can be extended by developers and third-party vendors. Because YaST is released under GPL, all players in the industry can fully embrace it, without any concerns about competing with Novell.
Key Features
Multiple YaST Interfaces
YaST provides a friendly GUI for everyday use, a text mode for changes at the console, and well-documented APIs for scripting and extension.
AutoYaST and Other Installation Sources
AutoYaST allows unattended and automated installation. With AutoYaST, administrators can create a consistent baseline configuration for new installations in large or expanding deployments. In addition to AutoYaST, other installation methods include PXE Boot, CD-ROM, NFS, CIFS/SMB, HTTP, FTP, and the Service Location Protocol (SLP), which allows autodetection of install servers.
Software Update
The online update system, based on YaST and ZENworks®, allows administrators to install security updates and bug fixes automatically or on command.
Common Information Model (CIM) Support
The Common Information Model (CIM) standardizes the exchange of management information in a platform-independent and technology-neutral way. CIM-enabled software reduces the cost of management by providing a single API for heterogeneous technology environments.
ZENworks Linux Management
SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop includes the ZENworks Linux Management update manager, a service which, combined with a ZENworks Linux Management server, allows administrators to control updates and system behavior remotely from a centralized location.
The service determines the configuration of a system and compares it to a list of available upgrades and patches that the administrator makes available. It can then download and install the new software, automatically taking dependencies and incompatibilities into account.
Take a Closer Look
- Use the Reviewers Guide to guide your exploration of all the features of SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop in greater detail.
- Want to see SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop in action? Check out the product presentation and demos.