Not only is SuSE Linux Professional 8.1 the most complete distribution, it's also one of the friendliest. However, it's also large and complex, especially next to sleeker Windows replacements. In response, SuSE has produced Linux Office Desktop – a trimmed-down SuSE 8.1 that co-exists with Windows.
However, it hasn't been cut down totally – there are still three CDs and an additional bootable CD containing Acronis OS Selector 8.
The latter is a partitioning utility and boot manager, comparable with PartitonMagic and BootMagic, but it also supports ReiserFS and Windows Server. It's DOS-based and requires a FAT partition for hard-disk installation, but it also runs directly from the CD, so you can resize an NTFS partition. SuSE can't do this unaided, and the otherwise helpful manual didn't note this.
Otherwise, installation is simple, although it needs preparation. If the target disk is formatted with NTFS, for example, you must use Acronis to make room. Plus, unlike the others on test, SuSE's installer asks questions about package selection and hardware. Once installed, the default Desktop has helpful links to existing Windows partitions and any other Linux systems installed, although it doesn't identify them by name.
The KDE Desktop is unlike the refined versions offered by the others. The default browser is Konqueror and, while Mozilla is installed, it isn't in the KDE menu. What's more, each menu category has submenus with a bewildering array of programs for each task.
Basically, SuSE hasn't simplified the OS as much as its competitors, although this also means it's full of other goodies. SuSE's YaST 2 setup and administration tool is among the best, both GNOME and KDE Desktops are included, and the manual details three CD players and nine MIDI synthesizers. It also includes StarOffice 6 and both CrossOver Office and Plugin for running Microsoft Office, Lotus Notes and Windows browser plug-ins.
However, it's a big product, despite having fewer components than the cheaper ($117.95) SuSE Linux Professional 8.2. SuSE Linux Office Desktop is solid, but it's also less Windows-like than Xandros or Lycoris, and offers novices a confusing choice of Desktops and components. Novices should go for Xandros, while power users should stick with the regular SuSE Linux Professional 8.2.