EndeavourOS
Arch Made Easy
- Arch-based simplicity
- Minimalist installation
- Frequent updates
- Strong community support
- Not beginner-friendly
- Requires manual intervention
Best for
DIY enthusiasts
EndeavourOS vs openSUSE
EndeavourOS and openSUSE are two popular Linux distributions that cater to different user needs. This page dives into their unique features, strengths, and who they are best suited for.
openSUSE
Stable and Versatile
- Robust stability
- Versatile with Tumbleweed/Leap
- YaST management tool
- Strong enterprise support
- Can be complex for new users
- Tumbleweed may require knowledge to manage
Best for
Versatile computing
TL;DR: Pick EndeavourOS for Arch simplicity. Pick openSUSE for stability and versatility.
Side-by-side comparison
How they stack up across key categories.
Ease of use
EndeavourOS
EndeavourOS simplifies the Arch Linux experience but still requires a learning curve.
openSUSE
openSUSE provides a more structured setup with tools like YaST, but can be complex for beginners.
Desktop feel
EndeavourOS
EndeavourOS offers a clean, customizable desktop starting point, ideal for minimalists.
openSUSE
openSUSE offers a polished, professional desktop experience with a variety of environments.
Stability
EndeavourOS
As a rolling release, EndeavourOS prioritizes the latest updates over stability.
openSUSE
openSUSE Leap is known for its stability, making it suitable for production environments.
Updates
EndeavourOS
Frequent updates keep software current, but may require manual fixes.
openSUSE
Tumbleweed offers rolling updates, while Leap provides scheduled updates.
Software access
EndeavourOS
Access to the Arch User Repository (AUR) offers a broad range of software.
openSUSE
openSUSE's repositories are extensive and supplemented by community packages.
Privacy
EndeavourOS
EndeavourOS doesn't include telemetry, aligning with Arch's privacy-focused ethos.
openSUSE
openSUSE respects user privacy, with enterprise-level security features.
Community & docs
EndeavourOS
A strong community provides support, often leveraging Arch's extensive documentation.
openSUSE
openSUSE boasts robust documentation and a supportive community, with forums and mailing lists.
Gaming
EndeavourOS
EndeavourOS can leverage the AUR for gaming tools and drivers.
openSUSE
openSUSE supports gaming with proprietary drivers and Steam compatibility.
Pros & cons summary
EndeavourOS
Pros
- EndeavourOS provides an Arch Linux base with an easy installer, making it more accessible.
- The minimalist approach lets users start with a clean slate and customize heavily.
- Being a rolling release, it provides the latest software updates frequently.
- It has a strong community that offers extensive support and resources.
Cons
- It's not the best choice for beginners unfamiliar with Linux terminal commands.
- Frequent updates might require manual intervention to resolve conflicts.
openSUSE
Pros
- openSUSE offers a choice between Leap (stable) and Tumbleweed (rolling release) versions.
- It features YaST, a comprehensive tool for system management and configuration.
- openSUSE is known for its robustness and is often used in enterprise environments.
- The community and enterprise support provide a solid backbone for troubleshooting.
- It includes a wide array of software in its official repositories.
Cons
- The complexity of YaST and other tools might overwhelm new Linux users.
- Managing the rolling release version, Tumbleweed, might require advanced knowledge to handle updates.
Which should you pick?
Quick recommendations for common scenarios.
Switching from Windows
Pick: openSUSE
openSUSE offers a more structured environment that eases the transition.
Following Tutorials
Pick: EndeavourOS
EndeavourOS's Arch base makes it ideal for following Arch-based guides and tutorials.
Older Hardware
Pick: Either
Both distros offer lightweight desktop environments suitable for older systems.
Gaming
Pick: openSUSE
openSUSE's support for proprietary drivers and Steam makes it a solid choice for gaming.
Work/Professional Use
Pick: openSUSE
openSUSE Leap's stability and enterprise features make it ideal for professional environments.
Simple Daily Desktop
Pick: EndeavourOS
EndeavourOS offers a more customizable daily desktop experience for enthusiasts.
FAQ
Quick answers to common questions.
Are EndeavourOS and openSUSE related?
No, they are not directly related. EndeavourOS is based on Arch Linux, while openSUSE is an independent distribution.
Which is more beginner-friendly?
openSUSE is generally more beginner-friendly due to its structured setup and management tools like YaST.
Which distro offers better performance?
Both distros can perform well, but it depends on configuration. EndeavourOS may be faster due to its minimalist setup.
Can I try these distros before installing?
Yes, both EndeavourOS and openSUSE offer live sessions that allow users to try the system before installing.
How is software compatibility?
Both distros have extensive repositories. EndeavourOS uses the AUR, while openSUSE has its own large software library.
Is hardware support good?
Both have good hardware support, but openSUSE's enterprise backing may offer an edge in specific scenarios.
What are their release cycles?
EndeavourOS is rolling release, updating continuously. openSUSE offers both rolling (Tumbleweed) and fixed (Leap) release models.
Is switching between them difficult?
Switching requires a clean install. Backup data and ensure your hardware is compatible with the new distro.
Compare another pair?
Generate a clean "vs" page for any two distros.