Arch Linux vs openSUSE

Overview

Arch Linux

Stacks562

Followers555

Votes108

openSUSE

Stacks111

Followers160

Votes13

Arch Linux vs openSUSE: What are the differences?

Introduction

Arch Linux and openSUSE are two popular Linux distributions that have their own distinct features and characteristics. In this article, we will explore the key differences between these two operating systems.

Installation Process: Arch Linux follows a minimalist installation process, requiring users to manually configure and install each component of the system. On the other hand, openSUSE provides a more user-friendly installation process with a graphical installer and a variety of pre-configured options.
Package Management: Arch Linux utilizes the Pacman package manager, which focuses on simplicity and minimalism. It uses a rolling release model, providing the latest software updates promptly. openSUSE, on the other hand, uses the Zypper package manager, which offers a vast number of package repositories and a robust dependency resolution system.
Community Support: Arch Linux has an active and passionate community that heavily relies on its wiki documentation for support. The community emphasizes self-reliance and encourages users to troubleshoot and learn independently. On the contrary, openSUSE has a more traditional community support system with forums and official support channels, making it easier for users to seek assistance.
System Configuration: Arch Linux provides a highly customizable system, allowing users to configure various aspects according to their preferences. It follows a "do-it-yourself" approach, requiring users to manually edit configuration files. openSUSE, on the other hand, provides a YaST control center, offering a graphical interface for system configuration and management.
Release Model: Arch Linux follows a rolling release model, meaning there are no specific release versions. Instead, packages are continuously updated to the latest versions. openSUSE, on the other hand, follows a hybrid release model with regular release versions and long-term support (LTS) versions, catering to different user needs.
Package Availability: Arch Linux provides a vast and up-to-date software repository known as the Arch User Repository (AUR). It allows users to access a wide range of community-maintained packages. openSUSE, while also offering a substantial number of packages through its official repositories, might have a slightly smaller selection compared to Arch.

In summary, Arch Linux offers a DIY approach with a minimalist installation process, a rolling release model, and a highly customizable system, supported by an active community. openSUSE provides a more user-friendly installation process, a robust package management system, and a graphical interface for system configuration, aimed at a broader range of users.

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Advice on Arch Linux, openSUSE

Simon

Developer Advocate at k6 / Load Impact

Mar 7, 2020

Decided

At the moment of the decision, my desktop was the primary place I did work. Due to this, I can't have it blow up on me while I work. While Arch is interesting and powerful, Ubuntu offers (at least for me) a lot more stability and lets me focus on other things than maintaining my own OS installation.

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Detailed Comparison

Arch Linux	openSUSE
A lightweight and flexible Linux distribution that tries to Keep It Simple.	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.
Statistics
Stacks 562	Stacks 111
Followers 555	Followers 160
Votes 108	Votes 13
Pros & Cons
Pros 17 Large Community 15 Package Manager 13 Customizable 12 Rolling Release 11 Bleeding Edge Cons 4 Systemd only 3 Only X86_64 architecture is offically supported 1 Unstable 1 System maintenance 1 No Guided Installation	Pros 4 Stable 3 Lightweight for server 2 Reliable 2 Rolling release 2 Snapshot

What are some alternatives to Arch Linux, openSUSE?

Ubuntu

Ubuntu is an ancient African word meaning ‘humanity to others’. It also means ‘I am what I am because of who we all are’. The Ubuntu operating system brings the spirit of Ubuntu to the world of computers.

Debian

Debian systems currently use the Linux kernel or the FreeBSD kernel. Linux is a piece of software started by Linus Torvalds and supported by thousands of programmers worldwide. FreeBSD is an operating system including a kernel and other software.

Fedora

Fedora is a Linux-based operating system that provides users with access to the latest free and open source software, in a stable, secure and easy to manage form. Fedora is the largest of many free software creations of the Fedora Project. Because of its predominance, the word "Fedora" is often used interchangeably to mean both the Fedora Project and the Fedora operating system.

Linux Mint

The purpose of Linux Mint is to produce a modern, elegant and comfortable operating system which is both powerful and easy to use.

CentOS

The CentOS Project is a community-driven free software effort focused on delivering a robust open source ecosystem. For users, we offer a consistent manageable platform that suits a wide variety of deployments. For open source communities, we offer a solid, predictable base to build upon, along with extensive resources to build, test, release, and maintain their code.

Linux

A clone of the operating system Unix, written from scratch by Linus Torvalds with assistance from a loosely-knit team of hackers across the Net. It aims towards POSIX and Single UNIX Specification compliance.

CoreOS

It is designed for security, consistency, and reliability. Instead of installing packages via yum or apt, it uses Linux containers to manage your services at a higher level of abstraction. A single service's code and all dependencies are packaged within a container that can be run on one or many machines.

Gentoo Linux

It is a free operating system based on either Linux or FreeBSD that can be automatically optimized and customized for just about any application or need.

Alpine Linux

Alpine Linux is a security-oriented, lightweight Linux distribution based on musl libc and busybox.

Manjaro

It is an accessible, friendly, open-source Linux distribution and community. Based on Arch Linux, it provides all the benefits of cutting-edge software combined with a focus on getting started quickly, automated tools to require less manual intervention, and help readily available when needed.

Related Comparisons

Arch Linux vs openSUSE: What are the differences?

Introduction

Installation Process: Arch Linux follows a minimalist installation process, requiring users to manually configure and install each component of the system. On the other hand, openSUSE provides a more user-friendly installation process with a graphical installer and a variety of pre-configured options.
Package Management: Arch Linux utilizes the Pacman package manager, which focuses on simplicity and minimalism. It uses a rolling release model, providing the latest software updates promptly. openSUSE, on the other hand, uses the Zypper package manager, which offers a vast number of package repositories and a robust dependency resolution system.
Community Support: Arch Linux has an active and passionate community that heavily relies on its wiki documentation for support. The community emphasizes self-reliance and encourages users to troubleshoot and learn independently. On the contrary, openSUSE has a more traditional community support system with forums and official support channels, making it easier for users to seek assistance.
System Configuration: Arch Linux provides a highly customizable system, allowing users to configure various aspects according to their preferences. It follows a "do-it-yourself" approach, requiring users to manually edit configuration files. openSUSE, on the other hand, provides a YaST control center, offering a graphical interface for system configuration and management.
Release Model: Arch Linux follows a rolling release model, meaning there are no specific release versions. Instead, packages are continuously updated to the latest versions. openSUSE, on the other hand, follows a hybrid release model with regular release versions and long-term support (LTS) versions, catering to different user needs.
Package Availability: Arch Linux provides a vast and up-to-date software repository known as the Arch User Repository (AUR). It allows users to access a wide range of community-maintained packages. openSUSE, while also offering a substantial number of packages through its official repositories, might have a slightly smaller selection compared to Arch.

Arch Linux vs openSUSE

Overview

Arch Linux vs openSUSE: What are the differences?