Software Alternatives & Startups

openSUSE VS DistroWatch

Compare openSUSE VS DistroWatch and see what are their differences

openSUSE

openSUSE is a free and Linux-based operating system for your PC, Laptop or Server.

Rating
0 reviews
DistroWatch

9 hours ago - It does include a proprietary software set optimized for business users, students, researchers and developers." A list of features and further details can be found in the company's release announcement.

Rating
0 reviews

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, DistroWatch seems to be a lot more popular than openSUSE. While we know about 290 links to DistroWatch, we've tracked only 18 mentions of openSUSE.

social mentions
18 vs 290
Linux popularity
35% vs 65%
alternatives listed
240+ vs 107

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

openSUSE
DistroWatch
Website opensuse.org distrowatch.com
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

openSUSE 6 features
DistroWatch 5 features
  • YaST
    Yet another Setup Tool (YaST) is a comprehensive system configuration and administration tool that makes managing the OS easy for users of all experience levels.
  • Consistency and Stability
    openSUSE is known for its reliability and stability, making it a great choice for production environments and critical systems.
  • Rolling and Fixed Releases
    openSUSE offers both a rolling release (Tumbleweed) and a fixed release (Leap), allowing users to choose between cutting-edge updates and long-term stability.
  • Strong Security
    The distribution emphasizes security with features like AppArmor, a security module that restricts programs' capabilities, and frequent updates to address security vulnerabilities.
  • Wide Range of Software
    openSUSE has access to a vast collection of software packages thanks to its integration with the openSUSE Build Service (OBS) and other repositories.
  • Community Support
    There is an active and helpful community that offers support through forums, mailing lists, and IRC, making it easier for new users to get help.

Possible disadvantages

  • Learning Curve
    openSUSE's powerful tools and customization options can present a steep learning curve for beginners who are not familiar with Linux environments.
  • Software Delays
    Users on the Leap version may find that some software packages are not as up-to-date as those in other leading distributions, due to the emphasis on stability.
  • Hardware Compatibility
    openSUSE might not support some newer or less common hardware out-of-the-box, requiring users to manually install drivers or make additional configurations.
  • System Resource Usage
    The default installation can be resource-heavy, which might be less ideal for older or lower-end hardware.
  • Complexity for Basic Needs
    For users who need a simple and straightforward desktop environment, openSUSE's numerous features and configurations might feel overwhelming.
  • Comprehensive Database
    DistroWatch provides a thorough list of active Linux distributions, which is helpful for users seeking to explore various options and find the right one for their needs.
  • Distribution Popularity Ranking
    The site features a page hit ranking system that gives an indication of the popularity of distributions, which can guide users toward more widely supported and updated options.
  • News and Updates
    Regularly updated news and release announcements keep users informed about the latest developments in the Linux and open-source software world.
  • Reviews and Summaries
    DistroWatch offers reviews and summaries for many distributions, providing insights into their strengths and weaknesses without needing to test each one individually.
  • User Resources
    The site includes links to official distribution sites, download mirrors, forums, and documentation, making it easier for users to find support and further information.

Possible disadvantages

  • Popularity Metrics Limitations
    The page hit ranking may not accurately reflect a distribution's true popularity or quality, as it only counts page visits rather than usage metrics.
  • Overwhelming for Beginners
    Newcomers to Linux might find the vast array of distributions and information overwhelming and challenging to navigate without guidance.
  • Community-Driven Content
    Information and reviews on DistroWatch largely rely on community contributions, which can lead to variability in the quality and reliability of the content.
  • Niche Focus
    While DistroWatch is highly valuable for Linux enthusiasts, it has limited appeal to users not interested in open-source operating systems, narrowing its audience.
  • Outdated Information Risk
    Some distribution pages might not be frequently updated, leading to potential issues with outdated information or dead links.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

openSUSE
DistroWatch

Overall verdict

  • openSUSE is a reliable and versatile Linux distribution that is suitable for a variety of use cases, from everyday desktop use to complex server environments. Its flexibility and powerful management tools make it a good choice for both beginners and experienced users.

Why this product is good

  • openSUSE is known for its robust, open-source nature and offers two major distributions: Tumbleweed and Leap. Tumbleweed is a rolling release, providing the latest software updates, while Leap offers a more stable, fixed-release cycle ideal for users who prioritize stability. openSUSE is equipped with powerful tools like YaST for system management, zypper for package management, and offers exceptional support for developers and sysadmins. It's also known for its active community and comprehensive documentation.

Recommended for

  • Developers looking for a robust development environment
  • System administrators who need advanced management tools
  • Users who appreciate stability and security in their operating system
  • Open-source enthusiasts who enjoy contributing to and using community-driven projects
  • Those who want to explore a rolling release (Tumbleweed) or a stable release (Leap) distribution

Overall verdict

  • DistroWatch is generally considered a good resource for users interested in exploring the diverse world of Linux distributions. Its comprehensive database and news updates make it valuable for both new and experienced Linux users. However, the site should be used as a starting point for research, and users are encouraged to seek multiple sources to fully understand the strengths and weaknesses of each distribution.

Why this product is good

  • DistroWatch is a well-known website for tracking the popularity, releases, and news related to Linux distributions and other open-source operating systems. It provides insights into various Linux distributions, helping users make informed decisions about which distro might suit their needs. Additionally, it offers reviews, detailed information about each distribution, and a ranking system based on page hits, which can be indicative of a distribution's popularity or current interest levels.

Recommended for

    DistroWatch is recommended for anyone interested in learning about and comparing different Linux distributions, including newcomers to Linux, system administrators, hobbyists, and open-source enthusiasts. It is particularly useful for those who want to stay updated on new releases and trends within the Linux community.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

openSUSE 3 videos + Add
DistroWatch 3 videos + Add

openSUSE Leap 15 In-Depth Review - Linux Distro Reviews

More videos

  • - openSUSE Tumbleweed w/KDE Overview | Distro Delves S2:Ep17
  • - openSUSE Leap 15.2 | Review and Final Thoughts

Measuring Distro Popularity And Why Distrowatch's Page Hit Rankings Suck.

More videos

  • - How to Choose Your Linux Distribution - Distrowatch.com
  • - Let's talk Distrowatch!

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
openSUSE
DistroWatch
35% 35%
65% 65%
46% 46%
54% 54%
42% 42%
58% 58%
100% 100%
0% 0%

User comments

Share your experience with using openSUSE and DistroWatch. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

openSUSE no reviews yet
DistroWatch no reviews yet

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We have no reviews of DistroWatch yet. Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

openSUSE 18 mentions
DistroWatch 290 mentions
  • Problem with freshly installed Discord on MicroOS
    I don't understand. What is the alternative way to install codecs on a Tumbleweed/Leap system? There are instructions on how to use the Packman repositories for multimedia on opensuse.org so it is easy for one to assume that this is the... Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Something wrong with the Opensuse Leap 15.4 repositories?
    That's the problem, The error messages just that. I tried to download libOpenCL.so.1 because Resolve needs that to run, and every repository my system attempts to reach fails to download. The repository (all coming from opensuse.org by... Source: over 3 years ago
  • Update: I notice that they've replaced the leap 15.4 ad with MicroOS now.
    I've noticed on opensuse.org, you will now see a link to download micro os. Source: about 4 years ago

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  • Ubuntu 26.10 (Stonking Stingray) released
    While not necessarily indicative of the Linux world as a whole, the Distrowatch page hit ranking is pretty useful to see what people are looking up over there. Mint and MX Linux have been at or near the top for a while while CachyOS shot... - Source: Hacker News / 21 days ago
  • Show HN: I've built a nice home server OS
    Me, too! I first thought it was just clickbait, but then I realized it was the author's genuine thought, which is sad. I wonder why the popular Linux distro ranking site DistroWatch [0] is not called "OSWatch"! Well, I don't. The "OS" is... - Source: Hacker News / 6 months ago
  • How Linux Is Used in Real-World Data Engineering
    Linux is free and open source, which means anyone can view, modify, and share the code. It comes in many versions called distributions (or “distros”), each tuned for different needs. If you want to explore what’s out there, DistroWatch... - Source: dev.to / 7 months ago

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Alternatives to openSUSE and DistroWatch

When comparing openSUSE and DistroWatch, you can also consider the following products.