openSUSE Leap 15.6

Basic Information

openSUSE Leap 15.6 is a stable, community-developed Linux distribution built upon SUSE Linux Enterprise (SLE) 15 Service Pack 6. It targets professional users, entrepreneurs, and Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) seeking a reliable and well-tested operating system for both desktop and server environments.

• Model: Leap 15.6
• Version: 15.6
• Release Date: June 12, 2024
• Minimum Requirements:
  • Processor: 2 GHz dual-core CPU or better (x86-64, AMD64/Intel EM64T). Older systems may require Pentium 4 1.6 GHz or higher.
  • RAM: 1 GB for text-mode installation, 2 GB for graphical installation (4 GB or more strongly recommended).
  • Storage: 10 GB for minimal installation, 16 GB for a graphical desktop. 40 GB recommended for Btrfs snapshots.
• Supported Operating Systems (as host for virtualization): N/A (it is an operating system itself).
• Latest Stable Version: 15.6
• End of Support Date: April 30, 2026 (rescheduled from end of 2025).
• End of Life Date: April 30, 2026
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Updates are provided until the End of Support date.
• License Type: Primarily GNU General Public License version 2 (GPLv2) for the collective work, with individual components under various free software licenses.
• Deployment Model: Installable on physical hardware (desktops, laptops, servers), virtual machines, and various architectures including x86-64, PowerPC (ppc64le), UEFI ARM 64-bit (AArch64), and IBM System z and LinuxONE (s390x).

Technical Requirements

openSUSE Leap 15.6 is designed to run on a variety of hardware, emphasizing stability and compatibility. The requirements are generally modest for basic operation, with increased recommendations for graphical environments and advanced features like Btrfs snapshots.

• RAM: Minimum 1 GB for text installation, 2 GB for graphical installation. 4 GB or more is strongly recommended for optimal performance, especially with online repositories. For systems with more than two processors, add 512 MB per CPU.
• Processor: Any AMD64/Intel EM64T processor (64-bit). For older systems, a Pentium 4 1.6 GHz or higher is the minimum, with 2.4 GHz or higher recommended. ARMv8-A instruction set architecture (e.g., Cortex-A53 or Cortex-A57) for ARM devices.
• Storage: 10 GB for a minimal installation, 16 GB for a graphical desktop. If Btrfs snapshots are enabled, 40 GB for the root partition is recommended. A swap partition is required for systems with less than 10 GB of RAM, with 3 GB or more for systems with 2-3 GB RAM.
• Display: A display is required for graphical installations. High-DPI displays are supported with UI scaling options.
• Ports: USB port or DVD drive for installation media. Internet access is helpful and required for network installations and updates.
• Operating System: N/A (openSUSE Leap 15.6 is an operating system).

Analysis: The technical requirements for openSUSE Leap 15.6 are quite flexible, allowing it to be deployed on both modern and older 64-bit hardware. The increased RAM and storage recommendations for graphical desktops and Btrfs snapshots reflect the resource demands of these features. The support for various architectures (x86-64, ARM64, PowerPC, IBM Z) makes it versatile for different deployment scenarios, from desktops to servers and embedded systems.

Support & Compatibility

openSUSE Leap 15.6 provides a stable platform with a defined support lifecycle and broad compatibility.

• Latest Version: 15.6
• OS Support: Supports 64-bit desktops, PowerPC (ppc64le) servers, UEFI ARM 64-bit (AArch64) desktops, laptops, SBCs, and servers, and IBM System z and LinuxONE (s390x) servers.
• End of Support Date: April 30, 2026. This date was extended to provide overlap with the successor, Leap 16.
• Localization: Supports over 50 languages.
• Available Drivers: Includes Linux kernel 6.4, which provides backports for many recent hardware drivers. Proprietary drivers, such as NVIDIA, may require manual installation but resolve issues with open-source alternatives.

Analysis: openSUSE Leap 15.6 offers robust support and compatibility, especially for users seeking a stable, long-term solution. Its alignment with SUSE Linux Enterprise ensures a well-tested and maintained codebase. The extended support until April 2026 provides a generous window for users to plan upgrades. Broad hardware architecture support and extensive localization make it suitable for diverse global deployments. While open-source drivers are generally included, users with specific hardware (e.g., NVIDIA GPUs) might need to install proprietary drivers for optimal performance.

Security Status

openSUSE Leap 15.6 integrates various security features and benefits from its enterprise-grade foundation.

• Security Features: Built on SUSE Linux Enterprise 15 SP6, it inherits enterprise-level security. Features include updated GNU/Linux technologies, OpenSSL 3.1 as the new default, and improved security functions. Atomic updates are available for the Transactional Server role, enhancing system integrity and ease of rollback. Secure Boot on UEFI machines is supported.
• Known Vulnerabilities: Regular security updates and patches are provided throughout its support lifecycle. Users are encouraged to keep their systems updated.
• Blacklist Status: No general blacklist status.
• Certifications: While openSUSE Leap itself is a community distribution, its close alignment with SUSE Linux Enterprise (SLE) means it benefits from the rigorous testing and certifications associated with SLE.
• Encryption Support: Supports various encryption methods common in Linux environments. Btrfs snapshots contribute to data integrity and recovery.
• Authentication Methods: Standard Linux authentication methods are supported, including local user accounts, SSH, and integration with directory services.
• General Recommendations: Users should apply all available security and maintenance updates promptly. For enhanced security, especially in server environments, utilizing features like atomic updates and ensuring proper firewall configuration is recommended. Importing new 4096-bit RSA signing keys is necessary for upgrades from older versions.

Analysis: openSUSE Leap 15.6 provides a strong security foundation, largely due to its binary compatibility with SUSE Linux Enterprise. The inclusion of updated security components like OpenSSL 3.1 and the Linux 6.4 kernel, along with support for UEFI Secure Boot, enhances its defensive posture. The atomic update mechanism for transactional servers is a significant advantage for maintaining system stability and security. Regular updates are crucial for mitigating known vulnerabilities.

Performance & Benchmarks

openSUSE Leap 15.6 is known for its stability and solid performance, especially for users prioritizing reliability over bleeding-edge software.

• Benchmark Scores: Specific, universally applicable benchmark scores for openSUSE Leap 15.6 are not readily available as performance varies significantly based on hardware and workload. However, its enterprise foundation suggests optimized performance for server and workstation tasks.
• Real-World Performance Metrics: Users report a stable and responsive experience. The KDE Plasma 5.27.11 LTS desktop environment is noted for being fast and reliable. GNOME 45 also offers improved usability and performance. The Linux 6.4 kernel provides performance enhancements and better hardware support.
• Power Consumption: Power consumption is generally efficient, benefiting from the optimized Linux kernel and desktop environments. Specific metrics depend heavily on hardware and usage patterns.
• Carbon Footprint: As a software asset, its direct carbon footprint is negligible. Indirectly, efficient resource utilization on hardware contributes to lower energy consumption.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Compared to rolling release distributions like openSUSE Tumbleweed, Leap 15.6 prioritizes stability and tested components over the absolute latest versions, which can lead to more predictable performance. Some users find Leap 15.6 faster and more stable than other distributions using the same Plasma version, such as Kubuntu 24.04.

Analysis: openSUSE Leap 15.6 delivers strong, consistent performance, making it a reliable choice for both desktop and server use. Its focus on stability and integration of mature software components results in a smooth user experience. While it may not always feature the absolute latest software versions, the chosen components are well-optimized, contributing to good real-world performance and efficient resource usage.

User Reviews & Feedback

User feedback for openSUSE Leap 15.6 generally highlights its stability and reliability, with some observations regarding desktop environment choices and future directions.

• Strengths:
  • Stability and Reliability: Consistently praised for being a "set and forget" OS, ideal for users who prefer a stable and well-tested system.
  • Enterprise Foundation: Its basis on SUSE Linux Enterprise provides a robust and secure platform.
  • YaST: The YaST configuration tool is a significant advantage, offering powerful and centralized system management.
  • Desktop Environment Implementations: KDE Plasma 5.27.11 LTS is highly regarded for its stability and performance. GNOME 45 is also well-implemented.
  • Hardware Compatibility: Good support for various architectures and modern hardware due to the Linux 6.4 kernel.
  • Cockpit Integration: Enhances system and container management with an intuitive web-based interface.
• Weaknesses:
  • Not Bleeding-Edge: Software versions are not always the absolute latest, which might be a drawback for users desiring the newest features immediately.
  • NVIDIA Driver Issues: Initial installations might experience display issues with open-source NVIDIA drivers, requiring manual installation of proprietary drivers.
  • Flatpak Configuration: Flatpak is pre-installed, but Flatpak repositories are not configured by default, leading to a less-than-ideal out-of-the-box experience for Flatpak users.
  • Transition to Immutable: As the last non-immutable release in the Leap 15 series, some users might prefer to wait for Leap 16 or use Tumbleweed due to upcoming architectural changes.
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • Desktops and Workstations: For users seeking a highly stable and reliable daily driver.
  • Servers: Its enterprise foundation makes it suitable for server deployments.
  • Development: Offers updated packages for developers, including Python 3.11, Node.js 20, and PostgreSQL 16.
  • ISVs and Businesses: Provides a consistent and supported platform for independent software vendors and enterprise environments.
  • Virtualization: Virtual machine images are available, making it easy to deploy in virtualized environments.

Summary

openSUSE Leap 15.6 stands as a robust and highly stable Linux distribution, marking the culmination of the Leap 15 series before the transition to an immutable architecture with Leap 16. Released on June 12, 2024, it is built upon the solid foundation of SUSE Linux Enterprise 15 SP6, ensuring a well-tested and enterprise-grade experience.

Key strengths include its exceptional stability and reliability, making it an ideal "set and forget" operating system for both desktop and server environments. The powerful YaST configuration tool remains a significant differentiator, offering comprehensive system management. It boasts excellent implementations of popular desktop environments like KDE Plasma 5.27.11 LTS and GNOME 45, providing a responsive and user-friendly experience. Broad hardware compatibility across x86-64, ARM64, PowerPC, and IBM Z architectures, coupled with the Linux 6.4 kernel, ensures support for a wide range of devices and modern hardware. The integration of Cockpit further enhances system and container management capabilities.

However, openSUSE Leap 15.6 is not without its considerations. As a stable release, it prioritizes tested components over the absolute latest software versions, which might not appeal to users seeking cutting-edge features. Some users may encounter initial hurdles with NVIDIA drivers, requiring manual installation of proprietary alternatives. The default Flatpak setup, while present, lacks pre-configured repositories, necessitating additional steps for users. Furthermore, its position as the final non-immutable release in the Leap 15 series means users must consider the upcoming architectural shift to an immutable system with Leap 16.

Overall, openSUSE Leap 15.6 is highly recommended for users, businesses, and ISVs who prioritize stability, reliability, and a well-supported ecosystem. It excels in scenarios requiring a dependable platform for daily computing, server operations, and development, especially where the robustness of an enterprise-derived system is valued. Its extended support until April 30, 2026, provides ample time for migration planning. For those who value a mature, predictable, and powerful Linux experience, Leap 15.6 is an excellent choice, offering a refined and consistent operating environment.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.