openSUSE Project Releases openSUSE 12.3

Latest Linux distro improves search, performance and networking; moves forward 
with ARM support

THE INTERNET, March 13, 2013 -- The openSUSE Project today announced the 
latest release of its reliable, modern and easy-to-use multi-purpose Linux 
operating system. openSUSE 12.3 improves search, filesystem performance and 
networking, as well as makes great strides forward in ARM and cloud support. 
openSUSE 12.3 is the latest Linux distribution from the openSUSE Project, 
allowing users and developers to benefit from free and open source software in 
physical, virtual and cloud environments.

“Six months of open collaboration by our international Free Software community 
has once again resulted in a great product,” said Michael Miller, SUSE. “We 
are completely committed to the continued growth of the openSUSE Project and 
are just as passionate about its success as the many people who personally use 
and contribute to it. As an independent community, openSUSE contributors 
innovate and build what they’re passionate about and enjoy doing it. This 
innovation isn’t directed or controlled by SUSE; it’s a free and open project. 
In fact, that’s exactly why the relationship between openSUSE and SUSE works 
so well and partly why openSUSE is such a great project for contributors to 
join.”

Search, Performance and Networking 

openSUSE 12.3 introduces pervasive search features both on-line and locally. 
On the desktop, GNOME Nautilus and KDE Dolphin offer improved search 
capabilities. Personal information management software enhancements include 
automatically updating email search folders in Evolution. The quick filter in 
Kontact can search through the entire email body versus just the header. For 
servers, openSUSE 12.3 has replaced MySQL Database Server as the default 
option with the more openly developed, drop-in replacement MariaDB. PostgreSQL 
9.2 introduces NoSQL integration capabilities with its JSON support. In the 
area of cloud computing, openSUSE 12.3 debuts full packages for setting up 
OpenStack Folsom, the most recent release from popular OpenStack open source 
cloud computing project.

The Linux 3.7 kernel within openSUSE 12.3 boosts connectivity, performance and 
networking.  It features enhanced file system performance and a much-improved 
network layer that supports the TCP Fast Open protocol for faster browsing and 
several new features to decrease bufferbloat. 


Desktop

Desktop users can look forward to the latest Linux desktop software to ship 
with openSUSE 12.3. Application updates include the new Amarok 2.7 and 
Rhythmbox 2.98 for music lovers and digiKam 3.0 for handling photos and 
creating video slide shows. For productivity, the popular LibreOffice 3.6 
offers cutting-edge tools from a proven open source office suite. openSUSE 
12.3 also debuts a new theme that reflects the distribution's reputation for 
elegance and attention to detail. Improvements to package management allow 
better software handling from the graphical tools. 

Tools

In addition to the technical enhancements in openSUSE 12.3, the live images 
have grown to a larger size̶  ― up to 1 GB ― to be able to include the basic 
software most users expect. Among other things, Gimp and LibreOffice are now 
available within the live images. openSUSE 12.3 now ships a smaller XFCE-based 
Live CD for rescue and backup of an existing system. This provides a 
lightweight and effective environment and powerful applications for recovering 
lost data, backing up existing data, and editing disk partitions.

This release also brings proper UEFI support for x86_64-bit hardware and 
experimental support for Secure Boot enabled hardware.

The openSUSE ARM team plans to release openSUSE 12.3 for ARM within a few 
weeks, allowing users to test  the abilities of this architecture on laptops 
and on small servers. A preview of openSUSE 12.3 for ARM 64-bit is already 
available with over 4300 packages built for this new architecture, putting 
openSUSE well ahead of all other distributions with AArch64.

“We're very proud of openSUSE 12.3 as a stable and current operating system” 
said openSUSE Board member Richard Brown. “We are looking forward to the 
openSUSE Conference in Greece this summer, where we can celebrate this release 
and continue working towards the future of Free Software.”

For more details about the latest innovations in openSUSE 12.3 visit
http://opensuse.org/12.3

Downloads can be found at http://software.opensuse.org/123

Information about our ARM work and downloads can be found on
https://en.opensuse.org/Portal:ARM
###


About openSUSE
The openSUSE project is a worldwide effort that promotes the use of
 Linux everywhere. openSUSE creates one of the world's best Linux
 distributions, working together in an open, transparent and friendly
 manner as part of the worldwide Free and Open Source Software community.
For more information, visit http://www.opensuse.org.

About SUSE
SUSE®, a pioneer in open source software, provides reliable, interoperable 
Linux and cloud infrastructure solutions that give enterprises greater control 
and flexibility. More than 20 years of engineering excellence, exceptional 
service and an unrivaled partner ecosystem power the products and support that 
help our customers manage complexity, reduce cost, and confidently deliver 
mission-critical services. The lasting relationships we build allow us to 
adapt and deliver the smarter innovation they need to succeed—today and 
tomorrow. For more information, visit us at www.suse.com.

Press Contacts

community manager, SUSE
jos@opensuse.org

Amie Johnson
PR Manager, SUSE
amie@suse.com