When installing openSUSE, choose from several media available either online or in the retail box:
Two DVD9 media, only available with the retail box. The installation DVD contains the openSUSE distribution with open source software (OSS) as well as non-open source software (non-OSS) for 32bit and 64bit systems. The second DVD contains a snapshot of ftp.opensuse.org with a large number of additional packages.
This installation option does not require any network access for installation, nor do you need to set up external repositories to install the full openSUSE. You can, however, make the contents of the DVDs available on an installation server and make them available all across your network.
One DVD5, available via download, containing OSS and non-OSS software either for 32bit or 64bit systems.
Choose this installation option, if you want a fully-fledged openSUSE system. Beyond the downloading of the DVD ISO, there is no network connection required to make use of this installation option. Once the medium has been fully downloaded and the physical medium created, you can go ahead with the installation. You can, however, make the contents of the DVDs available on an installation server and make them available all across your network.
The LiveCD versions, available via download, include the KDE4 or GNOME desktops together with the most popular applications for 32-bit or 64-bit systems.
Choose this installation option for a first look at openSUSE. The LiveCD version runs on your computer using RAM without touching your hard drive and no installation is needed. However, you can also install openSUSE from the running live system. There is no network connection required beyond the mere download of the medium.
NOTE: Installing From a LiveCD
In order to install from a LiveCD, boot the live system from CD. In the running system, launch the installation routine by clicking on the icon on the desktop. Phase one of the installation will be carried out in a window on the desktop.
The Mini CD contains a minimal Linux system needed to run the installation. The installation system itself and the installation data are loaded from a network source. To install from a network providing SLP, please start the installation as described in Section 1.2.1, Installing from a Network Server Using SLP. To install from a HTTP, FTP, NFS, or SMB server, follow the instructions in Section 1.2.2, Installing from a Network Source without SLP.
IMPORTANT: Add-On CDs—Installing Additional Software
Although add-on CDs cannot be used as stand-alone installation media, they can be embedded as additional software sources during the installation. Currently available are CDs with additional languages. Add-on CDs can be used with any of the above installation media.