How to install OpenSUSE LEAP 15.5
OpenSUSE LEAP 15.5 is here, and it’s a huge upgrade. Users can expect the latest KDE Plasma 5 desktop environment or the latest Gnome 4x environment, Python 3.10, improved hardware support, and more. It is based on SUSE Linux Enterprise 15 Service Pack 5.
In this guide, we’ll show you how you can get OpenSUSE LEAP 15.5 up and running on your desktop or laptop. To start, ensure you have a USB flash drive with at least 6 GB in size, and a spare computer to install the OS on.
How to download OpenSUSE LEAP 15.5
Downloading OpenSUSE LEAP 15.5 is done through the official website. OpenSUSE lets users download via a Metalink, HTTP download, and Torrent. To get your hands on the file, head to the LEAP download page, and select the “Download” tab.
After choosing the “Download” tab, locate your PC’s architecture. Then, select the “Download” link next to “Offline Image.” Selecting the download link next to “Offline Image” will take some time to complete, as it is 4.1 GB in size. When the download is complete, move to the next section of the guide.
How to create a bootable OpenSUSE LEAP 15.5 USB
You must create a bootable USB installer to install OpenSUSE LEAP 15.5 on a desktop or laptop. There are many ways to create bootable USB installers on a modern computer system. However, in this guide, we’ll focus on the Etcher application. This tool is cross-platform and works the same way on Windows, MacOS, and Linux distributions.
To start, head over to Etcher.io and download the program for your Windows PC, MacOS system, or Linux computer. Then, start it up. Once it is open, find the “Select image” button. You’ll then need to browse for the OpenSUSE LEAP ISO image you downloaded previously.
After selecting the ISO file, click the “Select drive” button, and select your USB flash drive. Lastly, select the “Flash!” button to start the USB creation process.
When the process is complete, you’ll have a ready-to-use OpenSUSE LEAP 15.5 installer USB. From here, reboot your computer, load it into the BIOS, and configure it to boot from the USB to begin the installation.
How to install OpenSUSE LEAP 15.5
To install OpenSUSE LEAP 15.5, start by reading the “Language, Keyboard, and License Agreement” on the startup page for the OpenSUSE LEAP installer. Once you’ve finished reading it, click the “Next” button to move to the next page.
When you’ve finished reading the agreement, you’ll be asked to configure your network connection. The OpenSUSE installer will open up the “Network Settings” window. Select your network device, then, select “Edit”. After choosing “Edit,” click on “Address,” and select “Dynamic Address,” and “DHCP.” Click the “Next” button when done to continue.
Once you select the “Next” option after “Network Settings” the OpenSUSE LEAP installer will auto-configure your network device with DHCP. It’ll then ask you to enable “Online Repositories” with YaST2. Click the “Yes” button to continue. Then, enable the online repos you wish to enable. Click the “Next” button when done to continue.
You’ll now need to choose your system role for OpenSUSE LEAP 15.5. There are quite a few options to choose from. These options are “Desktop with KDE Plasma,” “Desktop with GNOME,” “Desktop with XFCE,” “Generic Desktop,” “Server,” and “Transactional Server.” Make your choice, then, click the “Next” button to continue.
After choosing a system role OpenSUSE LEAP 15.5 will scan your computer and determine a “best case” partitioning plan. This plan is based on GPT, uses BtrFS, and creates subvolumes. By default, SUSE’s partition layout is fine. However, if you’re not happy with how it’s configured your partitioning, choose “Guided Setup” to create a new one. When you’ve settled on a partitioning plan, click the “Next” button to continue to the next page.
You’ll now need to configure your clock and user account. First, use the world map to choose your location (doing this will set the correct time). Then, click the “Next” button to move to the next page. On the next page, set up your username and password. Then, click “Next” to continue.
With your time and user account configured, OpenSUSE LEAP 15.5 will show you an installation summary. Read the summary, and make changes if you wish. When you’re happy with the summary, click the “INSTALL” button to install OpenSUSE LEAP 15.5 on your computer.
