As the title says, I am considering switching from Windows XP to Suse 9.1.

I have downloaded the Suse Live Eval CD and this runs fine on my system (I am posting this from SUSE using Konqueror!) and I have now decided that I would like to install a full version of the OS alongside Windows.

On the SUSE website, there is a personal ISO available for download. However, I have been told this ISO is missing certain packages and tools that the full personal cd pack contains (if that makes sense). Basically, I want to know if I should fork out the £20ish to buy the actual CD or download the personal ISO from the SUSE site for free (I would prefer to save the £20).

Thanks, any advice is greatly appreciated.

hi and welcome to LQ.

i would say spend the money, so you're supporting a good cause. but if you're on a tight budget, go with the downloadable iso. if there are any programs you need that are missing, you can always download them - that's what's great about open source.

i've used the download version of SuSE on one of my computers and haven't needed to download much of anything - it still comes with plenty of software. but if you want millions of apps go with the pay version.

Hello!

If you want to buy anything, buy the pro version. It contains 2 good manuals. The manuals alone are worth the money.

You also get 30 (or 60 don't remember exactly) days support and you get Cd's as well as DVD's.

Another option is looking in the bookstores. You can get Suse frequently with some magazine. I bought 8.0 9.0 and 9.1 but I had 8.3 from some magazine and it worked perfect.

If the money is a problem, download, on some places I have also seen isos, but mostly not of the latest version.

Have a lot of fun...............

CloudBuilder

I personally think you should get mandrake, it's the best distribution for newbies. If you don't want to spend $60 get Fedora, it has everything you need.


And this is totally off topic, but are you the same CJayC who runs Gamefaqs?

Hello and welcome to Linux CeeJayCee,
Here are my thoughts about the questions in your post.
I purchased SUSE 9.1 Professional Upgrade. My understanding is that the SUSE Personal Edition contains 2 CDs and printed documentation. One of the CDs was the Live CD and unless it has been updated, a version that has a security flaw. The second CD is the install CD that is now available for download. So the question is if you want the printed documentation and do you have a few bucks to throw SUSE's way.
The single Personal install CD has far fewer choices of programs than are available on the Professional version. Besides being a question of some favorite program of yours not being included, it does not include any servers. Not a big loss for a lot of people, but nice to have available.
SUSE is also available as an FTP install. This is free and has all packages available that the Professional version does. If you have a fast internet connection you may want to investigate this option.
There is also the option of choosing the site that YAST will use for package availability and updates.
Check this excellent post for one way to do that.
The summary goes something like this. You can test drive SUSE without spending any more money if you wish. You may want to ask yourself if you want printed documentation. You may ask yourself if you want some of your money to go to SUSE.
Good Luck.