How to Install an OpenSUSE Leap 42.1 KDE Desktop

What is OpenSUSE Leap 42.1 ?

OpenSUSE Leap is a new type and a new version of OpenSUSE. It is a hybrid Linux distribution that uses the source code of SUSE Linux Enterprise(SLE) to provide a higher stability and reliability then otLinuxinux distributions. OpenSUSE leap gets updates of packages, maintenance and bug fixes from SLE and OpenSUSE the community, it is a combination of SUSE Linux Enterprise (SLE) for the server and enterprise users and OpenSUSE for desktop users. The naming "42" is based on the new Suse Linux Enterprise 12.01 and 30, 12 + 30 = 42.

We can use OpenSUSE leap as server operating system that provides enterprise features, and use it as computer desktop operating system that provides all major desktop environments like KDE plasma 5,  gnome,  and other lightweight desktop environments like XFCE and LXDE.

In this tutorial, I will guide you trough the OpenSUSe leap installation. I will install OpenSUSE leap with KDE plasma 5 as the desktop environment.

Prerequisites

• An installation media like a USB, DVD.
• Recommended to use more than 10GB free HDD space.
• Recommended to use more that 2GB memory/RAM.
• OpenSUSe Leap ISO.

Step 1 - Download OpenSuSe Leap ISO

Download OpenSUSE Leap from the OpenSUSE site.

http://download.opensuse.org/distribution/leap/42.1/iso/

Burn the iso file to a DVD or use a bootable USB as installation media with that iso file, then boot the computer with this boot media.

Step 2 - Installation

After you create the installation media and booted your computer with it, and the first openSuSe leap prompt will appear. At that prompt select "Installation".

The kernel will load some debugging messages, just dont care and wait for the next screen to appear.

Step 3 - Language and Keyboard Configuration

This is the first welcome message, you can choose your language and keyboard layout in this step. You can read the OpenSUSE license agreement too, then click "Next".

Step 4 - Installation Options

Leave the default configuration and click "Next".

Step 5 - Partition Scheme

Note: in this tutorial, I use 20GB of HDD space with 2GB of RAM.

By default, the installer will provide the default partition scheme. The Installer will create 3 partitions:

1. SWAP - 2GB.
2. Btrfs as root partition - 12GB.
3. Xfs as a home partition - 6GB.

I use default partition scheme from the installer and I just need to click "Next"

If you want to configure your own partition, you can click on "Expert Partitioner" and define the desired partitions.

Step 6 - Select the Time Zone

Select your time zone and then click "Next".

Step 7 - Choose a Desktop Environment

By default, OpenSuSe leap will use KDE as the desktop environment. If you have enough RAM, you can select this one or use Gnome. If you have a small amount of RAM, I recommend you to use XFCE or LXDE as your desktop environment.

If you want to use it as a server, you can select "Minimal Server Selection".

In this step, I will use KDE as the desktop environment, so just click "Next" to forward.

If you want to select another desktop environment.

Step 8 - Create New User

Create a new user for OpenSUSE, type in your username and password. If you want to disable auto login, uncheck that option and click "Next".

Step 9 - Verify the Installation

Take a look at the box to verify your installation settings, and then click "Install".

And then confirm the installation by clicking on "Install".

Step 10 - Start the Installation

OpenSuSe Leap installation will begin now, take your time and wait until the process finished.

The computer will automatically reboot after the installation finished and you have to remove your media installation or bootable from your computer.

Step 11 - OpenSUSE Leap 42.1

You will see the OpenSUSE leap grub prompt, select "OpenSUSE Leap 42.1" and press Enter.

And then you can see the OpenSUSE KDE plasma 5 desktop.

there is no login option because I checked the option automatic login in the installation step 8.

OpenSUSE Leap with KDE 5 - Menu.

OpenSUSE Leap with KDE 5 - File Manager, Dolphin.

The installation of OpenSUSE Leap 42.1 has been finished successfully.