openSUSE News

New Package Management Tool Debuts

admin@opensuse.org (Douglas DeMaio) — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 17:00:00 +0000

YQPkg, a promising new package management tool for openSUSE, is preparing to make waves in the Linux community.

Designed as a standalone GUI, the software package offers a lightweight, intuitive alternative to traditional tools like YaST for users of openSUSE distributions.

YQPkg provides a glimpse into the future of package management on openSUSE systems. The usable alpha when packaged and released for Tumbleweed and Slowroll will include most of the key features necessary for effective package management.

YQPkg was developed during Hack Week 24 and is a standalone Qt-based package manager, free from YaST dependencies. It supports real package installation, updates, and removals with dependency resolution and user feedback. It’s alpha but usable, with read-only and root modes.

Users can run it as root for full functionality or as a regular user in read-only mode. It features a straightforward progress bar and users can toggle detailed views during operations.

However, some limitations remain. Repository refresh operations and gpg key handling are not yet implemented, so users are advised to manually refresh repositories (sudo zypper ref) before starting the program. YQPkg is still in active development, with known bugs and potential issues; IT IS RECOMMENDED TO AVOID USING IT ON CRITICAL PRODUCTION SYSTEMS AT THIS POINT.

Unlike its predecessor, YQPkg does not depend on YaST infrastructure as it relies only on libzypp. This independence ensures a streamlined experience and reduces some complexity. Libzypp is a C++-based package management library that handles package dependency resolution and management, independent of any graphical user interface framework like Qt.

The tool will introduce flexible summary views, allowing users to review completed tasks or return to previous steps for additional changes. Preferences like summary page settings and countdown timers are saved for future sessions.

Users wanting to explore YQPkg will be able to easily get started upon its release; after refreshing repositories with sudo zypper ref, users can download the latest alpha release and run the tool in either non-root read-only mode or with root permissions for full functionality; this accessibility ensures YQPkg is ready to meet the needs of both casual users and power users alike.

Though still in development, YQPkg is steadily evolving. Future updates promise enhancements like improved error handling, GPG key management, and repository refresh prompts. YQPkg is shaping up for a bright future related to package management within the openSUSE ecosystem.

You can build it from source from its GitHub repo. The current development status and screenshots are available here; scroll down for the latest news.

Leap 15.5 Nears End of Life

admin@opensuse.org (Douglas DeMaio) — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 13:00:00 +0000

The release of Leap 15.6 on June 12 set in motion the End of Life for maintenance and security for Leap 15.5, which will happen at the end of December.

Users should upgrade to openSUSE Leap 15.6 to continue to receive security and maintenance updates. Leap versions have a six-month end-of-life period after the release of a new version.

The openSUSE Project is in the development for stage forLeap 16.0 with the pre-Alpha version people can test.

Early adopters and contributors are encouraged to explore this release and provide feedback to shape the next Leap release, which will come with the Agama installer.

Visit get.opensuse.org to try an openSUSE distribution. For users seeking extended support, SUSE offers long-term support options through its subscription services.

Cheers to 5 Years of openSUSE Bar

admin@opensuse.org (Douglas DeMaio) — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 15:00:00 +0000

The openSUSE community will celebrate the 5-year anniversary of the openSUSE Bar on Dec. 19. Join people in the bar and celebrate this social space where open-source enthusiasts, developers and like minded individuals can come together to discuss open source and other topics.

The bar has become more than just a meeting place; it is a space to collaborate, connect and a welcoming atmosphere for sharing ideas. For years, the space has had countless informal meetups and networking events, celebratory moments after openSUSE milestones and is a place for openSUSE fans to gather.

People are invited to join in the celebration and to share memories or stories of their experience in the openSUSE Bar.

You can find a video about the beginning of the openSUSE Bar from a talk at openSUSE Conference 2022.

Choosing Better Alternatives Amid Confusing Policies

admin@opensuse.org (Douglas DeMaio) — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 09:00:00 +0000

A recent back-and-forth on Windows 11’s hardware requirements and the end-of-life timeline for Windows 10 leaves millions of users frustrated and uncertain about their next steps.

With millions of PCs being labeled by mainstream media as becoming obsolete and potential extended security updates costing users even more, the need for a reliable and sustainable alternative has never been greater.

Linux distributions like openSUSE offer a clear and practical solution. It eliminates the risks of vendor lock-in and avoids the pitfalls of Microsoft’s opaque and ever-changing policies.

The recent uncertainty around Microsoft’s policies underscores the challenges of depending on a company that prioritizes profits over a user’s fundamental needs, which is the ability to use their existing hardware and software effectively.

Microsoft initially doubled down on strict hardware requirements for Windows 11, requiring Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0. In a surprising reversal, the company issued instructions for installing Windows 11 on incompatible PCs, which can leave users even more confused.

This apparent change now is undermined by caveats like updates may not be available for unsupported PCs, and the company has openly warned that such installations could lead to system malfunctions. For many, the message is clear; Upgrade to Freedom! Upgrade to openSUSE!

Microsoft deserves some credit for extending some support, avoiding responsibility for one of the largest preventable e-waste surges in history caused by a software upgrade. However, these efforts do little to address the broader challenges impacting millions of users and the wider consequences for consumers and the environment.

The case for Linux and openSUSE is clear. Linux provides viable, cost-effective and sustainable alternatives. Users can enjoy a free, open-source operating system that doesn’t require costly upgrades or restrictive hardware requirements with installing openSUSE. Here are a few things users that want to transition can consider:

Complete Transparency: Linux distributions like openSUSE are governed by open-source principles, ensuring clear and consistent development.
No Forced Obsolescence: openSUSE supports a wide range of hardware like modern machines to older PCs that allow users to extend the life of their devices.
Cost Savings: openSUSE is free to use, with no licensing fees or hidden subscription costs for extended support.

By switching to Linux, users can help combat e-waste as every PC saved from a landfill is a win for the environment.

Transitioning to Linux is easier than people think and openSUSE is one of the most user-friendly distributions that provides comprehensive tools for installation and configuration.

Back Up Your Data: Safeguard important files before transitioning.
Download openSUSE: Visit get.opensuse.org to choose between Leap (stable, less updates) or Tumbleweed (rolling updates, several).
Install openSUSE: Create a bootable USB and follow the guided installation process.
Explore Applications: Discover free alternatives to popular software, such as LibreOffice for productivity, GIMP for image editing, and Steam for gaming.

Take control of your tech future and embrace the ability to Upgrade to Freedome with openSUSE. Your next step is just a click away - get.opensuse.org.

This is part of a series on Upgrade to Freedom where we offer reasons to transition from Windows to Linux.

Linux, openSUSE ready for Everyday Users

admin@opensuse.org (Douglas DeMaio) — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Most people don’t give much thought to their operating system, but with Windows 10 support ending in October 2025, many will start searching for alternatives that keep them secure without spending more than $100 for a software upgrade or on hardware that still works perfectly.

User-friendly Linux distribution like openSUSE and others offer an excellent solution for everyday tasks like social media, video conferencing, web browsing and more.

If you’re a casual computer user wondering whether you can accomplish the same tasks on Linux that you’ve been doing on Windows, the answer is a resounding YES!

From messaging apps like Telegram to video conferencing with Zoom, openSUSE has you covered. This guide will show you how easy it is to get started with Linux and continue using the apps and tools you’re familiar with.

Get the below applications as a Flatpak in the software center of your desktop environment.

Web Browsing: Chrome, Firefox, Brave, and More

Browsing the web on Linux is just as simple as it is on Windows or macOS. openSUSE supports a wide range of web browsers, including some of the most popular names in the market.

Mozilla Firefox comes pre-installed with most Linux distributions, including openSUSE. It’s fast, privacy-focused, and supports all major web standards, making it perfect for everything from casual browsing to online shopping and video streaming.
Google Chrome is available on Linux and can be installed easily on openSUSE. If you’re used to Chrome’s features, including syncing bookmarks and settings across devices, you’ll feel right at home.
Brave is another great option for privacy-conscious users. It blocks trackers and ads by default and gives people a fast and secure browsing experience. Brave is also easy to install on openSUSE. All these browsers support extensions and features you’re already familiar with, so switching to Linux won’t feel like a big leap.

Staying connected on social media is easy, especially getting your favorite apps for messaging, video calls and group chats. Whether as a native downloadable app or as Flatpak app, you will hardly know a difference.

Telegram is available for Linux and can be installed directly from the openSUSE software repositories. It works just like the version you’re used to. It allows you to chat, make voice calls and share media with your contacts.
Discord, a popular platform for gamers and communities, this also works seamlessly on Linux. You can download the Linux version from the Discord website or install it as a Flatpak for easy updates. Whether you’re chatting with friends or joining online communities, Discord on openSUSE is just as powerful as its Windows counterpart.
Signal, a privacy-focused messaging app, is available for Linux and ensures that your chats are secure with end-to-end encryption. It’s a great alternative to WhatsApp for privacy-conscious users.

Video Conferencing: Zoom and Alternatives

Video conferencing has become a staple for work and personal use, and openSUSE has strong support for popular platforms like Zoom and others.

Zoom offers a Linux version that works just like the Windows app. You can download it from Zoom’s official website or use the Flatpak version. Whether you’re attending work meetings, online classes or virtual hangouts with friends, Zoom on openSUSE is fully functional and reliable.
Jitsi Meet is a free, open-source alternative to Zoom that doesn’t require any installation. You can use it directly from your web browser. The project even uses it for its online bar making it a quick and easy option for video conferencing without the need for additional software. Visit the openSUSE Bar and the may be some people there ready to explain how easy it is to move to Linux.
Google Meet and Microsoft Teams are also fully supported on Linux via web browsers like Chrome or Firefox, so you can join meetings without any issues. There is even an unofficial Flatpak app for Teams.

Email: Thunderbird, Evolution, and More

Managing your email is easy through the browser or on with several great apps to choose from.

Mozilla Thunderbird is a popular email client that comes pre-installed on many Linux distributions, including openSUSE. It supports multiple email accounts, calendars and task management, which makes it great for everyday use.
Evolution is another feature-rich email client that supports Microsoft Exchange, Google accounts, and more. It’s an option if you need advanced email, calendar, and task management features.
Gmail, Outlook, and other web-based email services are fully accessible via your preferred browser, just as they are on Windows.

Streaming and Multimedia: Spotify, VLC and More

Linux supports popular platforms for streaming music, videos and other media.

Spotify has an official Linux client that you can install on openSUSE. It works the same as it does on other operating systems, giving you access to your playlists, podcasts and favorite music.
VLC Media Player is the go-to app for playing virtually any media file. Whether you’re watching movies, TV shows or home videos, VLC’s powerful playback features make it a top choice on a Linux distribution.
YouTube and other streaming services, such as Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, are fully supported on Linux via web browsers like Chrome or Firefox.

Managing your files and cloud storage is simple on openSUSE.

Nextcloud is a popular open-source alternative to commercial cloud storage services. It allows you to host your own cloud storage solution, giving you full control over your files.
Dropbox has a Linux client that integrates seamlessly with your desktop and allows you to sync files just as you would on Windows or macOS.
Google Drive can be accessed through the web browser.

How to Install

Users transitioning from Windows 10 to openSUSE should know it has the same functionality for common tasks like browsing, messaging, video conferencing, and media streaming, but without the need for expensive hardware and software upgrades. Here is an easy step-by-step guide to downloading software on your openSUSE Linux distribution:

KDE Plasma: Using Discover Software Center

KDE Plasma’s default software center is called Discover, which provides an easy way to search for and install applications.

Plasma Step 1: Open Discover

Click on the Application Launcher (bottom-left corner of your screen, represented by a green chameleon logo or KDE logo).
Type Discover in the search bar, and click on the Discover app to open it.

Plasma Step 2: Search for Software

Once Discover is open, you’ll see a search bar at the top.
Type the name of the software you’re looking for, such as “Firefox,” “Telegram,” or “Zoom.”

Plasma Step 3: Install the Application

Click on the application from the search results.
Click the Install button.
Wait for the installation process to complete. Once done, the Install button will change to Launch.

Plasma Step 4: Launch the Application

You can launch the newly installed application from the Discover window by clicking Launch, or find it in your Application Launcher.

GNOME: Using GNOME Software Center

GNOME’s default software center is called GNOME Software, which functions similarly to an app store.

GNOME Step 1: Open GNOME Software

Click on Activities in the top-left corner of your screen.
Type Software in the search bar, and click on GNOME Software to open it.

GNOME Step 2: Search for Software

At the top of the GNOME Software window, there’s a search bar.
Type the name of the software you want to install, such as “Brave,” “Signal,” or “Spotify.”

GNOME Step 3: Install the Application

Select the application from the search results.
Click the Install button.
GNOME Software will handle the download and installation. Once finished, you can launch the app directly from the software center.

GNOME Step 4: Launch the Application

After installation, you can click the Launch button in the software center, or find the app in the Activities overview by searching for it.

Whether you’re using KDE Plasma or GNOME, installing software on openSUSE is straightforward with the software centers. Both Discover (KDE) and GNOME Software provide user-friendly interfaces that allow you to search for, install, and manage your applications just like you would in an app store. This makes it easy for users transitioning from Windows 10 to feel comfortable using their new Linux system for everyday tasks.

This is part of a series on Upgrade to Freedom where we offer reasons to transition from Windows to Linux.

GPU Switching: A Multi-GPU Game Changer

admin@opensuse.org (Douglas DeMaio) — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Users of openSUSE can now rely on the built-in switcherooctl tool for GPU switching, which is already integrated into our distributions with major desktop environments like GNOME and KDE Plasma.

This is a game changer because it eliminates the need for additional tools and simplifies multi-GPU management while enhancing compatibility and performance with users’ systems.

For years, tools such as suse-prime and bbswitch have been staples in managing NVIDIA Optimus laptops and multi-GPU systems, but advancements in kernel drivers and desktop environments have made these tools unnecessary in most cases.

Installations of openSUSE now handle these configurations out of the box, whether using the open-source Nouveau driver or NVIDIA’s proprietary drivers.

In a recent update on multi-GPU systems, users are encouraged to move away from legacy tools like suse-prime, bbswitch, and bumblebee, as they can cause more harm than good on modern systems.

The recommended solution is switcherooctl, which is a lightweight userspace utility designed to manage GPU switching on systems with multiple GPUs. It integrates well with Wayland and Xorg; its functionality extends across both Intel + NVIDIA and AMD + NVIDIA setups. By using switcherooctl, users can easily select which GPU to use for specific applications and eliminate the need for complex scripts or environment variables.

Benefits of `switcherooctl`

Seamless Integration: Unlike older tools, switcherooctl is designed to work natively with modern Linux systems and desktop environments. This ensures a smoother user experience without requiring complex configurations.
Improved Performance: Users can specify which GPU to use for specific tasks, so switcherooctl enables optimal performance. Compute-heavy applications, such as gaming or 3D rendering, can utilize the discrete GPU, while less intensive tasks default to the integrated GPU to save power.
Enhanced Power Management: Switching back to the integrated GPU when the discrete GPU is not needed conserves battery life and makes it ideal for laptops and portable systems.
Wayland and Xorg Compatibility: With increasing adoption of Wayland, having a tool that supports both Wayland and Xorg ensures compatibility across a broad range of systems and setups.
Cross-Vendor Support: The Intel + NVIDIA or AMD + NVIDIA configuration make the systems more versatile for all users.

Users should being embracing switcherooctl for multi-GPU management as some of the older tools like suse-prime, bbswitch and bumblebee are likely to be phased out.

Leap Micro 6.1 Officially Released

admin@opensuse.org (Douglas DeMaio) — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 13:00:00 +0000

The openSUSE community is excited to announce the official release of Leap Micro 6.1.

Leap Micro continues its alignment with SUSE Linux Enterprise Micro, ensuring robust container and virtual machine hosting capabilities. The release has a new opensuse-migration-tool, which simplifies upgrades for smoother transitions between releases. Some enhanced features include reworked jeos-firstboot, soft-reboot support to further minimize downtime, two-factor authentication with cockpit and additional tools like vhostmd for SAP Virtualization.

You might want to check our Leap Micro 6.1 video showcasing fully encrypted disk image with TPM 2.0 chip, and the two factor authentication with cockpit.

The release of Leap Micro 6.1 signals the End of Life (EOL) for Leap Micro 5.5. Users are strongly encouraged to upgrade to either Leap Micro 6.0 or 6.1 to continue receiving updates and support.

For a detailed upgrade guide, visit the openSUSE Wiki or SLE Micro 6.1 Release notes.

Leap Micro 6.1 Release Candidate

admin@opensuse.org (Lubos Kocman) — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Release Candidate images of Leap Micro 6.1 can be found at get.opensuse.org.

At this point we’re only awaiting confirmation of the Leap Micro 6.1 maintenance setup prior making an official release; hopefully coming later this week.

Please be aware that the release of Leap Micro 6.1 means the end of life for Leap Micro 5.5.

Users are advised to upgrade to either Leap Micro 6.0 or 6.1 and can find details about release cycle on the openSUSE wiki.

Users upgrading from previous releases can consider our experimental opensuse-migration-tool. The migration tool will be part of Leap Micro 6.1+; users from older release can still get the tool from git.

See our Leap Micro upgrade wiki for more information about upgrade options.

See SLE Micro 6.1 Release notes and a summary for a list of changes in the Leap Micro 6.1 Alpha announcement.

openSUSE Empowers Creative Professionals

admin@opensuse.org (Douglas DeMaio) — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Creative professionals exploring alternatives that allow them to continue working without investing in costly new hardware and software upgrades can look at Linux as the end of Windows 10 approaches.

Distributions and flavors like openSUSE’s Tumbleweed, Leap, Slowroll, Kalpa and Aeon and other Linux distributions offer an excellent platform for creators with a wide variety of powerful, open-source tools designed to meet the needs of artists, designers, photographers, videographers and video editors.

From Indie short films to podcasts, open-source software and tools are available as a Flatpak, AppImage or as a native applications for creative people to create.

Many user-friendly tools are viable alternatives to popular, proprietary commercial applications like Photoshop, Illustrator, Final Cut Pro and others.

This article explores some of the top creative tools available on Linux and how transitioning to openSUSE can help creative professionals maintain, or even improve, their productivity.

Transitioning from Photoshop to GIMP

For many creatives, Photoshop is the go-to application for photo editing and graphic design. However, GIMP is an excellent open-source alternative that provides a wide range of professional-grade features.

GIMP supports many file formats, including PSD and offers powerful tools for retouching, editing and manipulating images. Creative professionals will find familiar features like layers, masks, blending modes and a variety of brushes. GIMP also supports high-bit-depth images and allows users to create professional-quality designs.

GIMP may have a slightly different workflow than Photoshop, but it is flexible, customizable and its plugin support makes it a highly versatile tool for image editing and graphic design. Many users find that GIMP offers all the functionality they need to complete complex projects.

Alternatives to Illustrator: Inkscape

For vector graphics, Inkscape is a known alternative to Illustrator. Inkscape is a powerful, free tool for creating logos, illustrations and scalable graphics. It supports common vector formats, including SVG, AI, and EPS, which make it easy to integrate into existing workflows.

Inkscape’s interface is intuitive for Illustrator users and features many of the same tools, such as the Pen tool, curves, shape tools and layer management. Its active development community ensures frequent updates, and the software is highly customizable through extensions and plugins.

For those focused on scalable design and illustration, Inkscape provides a professional-grade environment without the subscription fees associated with cloud creative services. This saves costs and opens people’s minds to the alternatives that are available.

Video Editing: Kdenlive and Blender

Creative professionals working in video production and editing have strong options to use both Kdenlive and Blender. Kdenlive, which is part of the KDE ecosystem, is a feature-rich video editor that provides tools for cutting, splitting and arranging video clips. It supports multiple video and audio tracks, transitions, effects and keyframe animation, which makes it suitable for everything from simple edits to more complex projects.

Blender is an industry-leading, open-source application meant for those working on 3D animation, video effects or visual effects (VFX). Blender’s capabilities include 3D modeling, animation, rendering and compositing, as well as a fully functional video editor. Blender is widely used in professional studios for film, game development and visual effects, which makes it a powerful option for creative professionals. Blender’s source code is governed by the GNU General Public License, embodying the same principles of freedom and collaboration that drives distributions like openSUSE and others.

Audio Production: Ardour and Audacity

Creative professionals working in music production, sound design or podcasting have options. Software packages like Ardour and Audacity offer powerful audio editing solutions. Ardour is a digital audio workstation (DAW) that supports multi-track recording, mixing and mastering. It is widely used for professional audio production, supporting VST plugins and offers advanced feature sets comparable to Logic Pro and Pro Tools.

Audacity is a simple and easy-to-use tool for audio editing; it’s ideal for basic recording, podcasting and sound editing tasks. It’s perfect for quick edits and simple projects, with support for a variety of audio formats and built-in effects.

3D Modeling and Animation: Blender

Blender deserves a second mention here because of its dominance in the field of 3D modeling and animation. Blender’s comprehensive suite of tools allows users to create everything from character animations to architectural models. It offers sculpting tools, UV unwrapping, rigging, particle simulation, and more.

For creative professionals used to proprietary 3D modeling software like Autodesk Maya or 3ds Max, Blender provides a comparable, if not superior, set of features with the added benefit of being open-source.

Publishing and Layout: Scribus

For professionals in publishing or those who need to create print-ready materials, Scribus is a capable desktop publishing tool. It provides features for designing brochures, books, magazines and other print materials. It’s similar to InDesign and just as functional.

Scribus supports advanced typography, CMYK colors, ICC color profiles and PDF export, which makes it a professional solution for designers working on print projects. With a clean, organized interface, it makes a transition from InDesign relatively smooth.

Why openSUSE?

Besides Windows 10 expiring and having to spend more than $100 USD for an upgrade depending on the country you live in, openSUSE provides a solid environment for creative professionals to transition to a new operating system. It offers stability, security and flexibility that allows users to customize their systems to fit their specific needs. Tumbleweed, which is openSUSE’s rolling release version, ensures access to the latest versions of creative software, while the Leap version offers long-term stability with fewer updates; Leap is ideal for users who prefer to avoid frequent changes.

With software centers and tools like openSUSE’s YaST configuration tool, managing software and updates are incredibly easy; this can be a big advantage for those new to Linux.

Creative professionals can continue producing high-quality work without the need for expensive software subscriptions or hardware upgrades. From GIMP and Inkscape to Blender and Ardour, the open-source Linux ecosystem offers powerful, free alternatives that rival commercial counterparts.

The “Upgrade to Freedom!” campaign is here to help creative people make the switch. By choosing openSUSE, you not only gain access to a suite of professional-grade tools but also extend the life of your hardware and avoid contributing to e-waste.

Now is the perfect time for creative professionals to embrace the freedom of open-source software and continue thriving on Linux.

This is part of a series on Upgrade to Freedom where we offer reasons to transition from Windows to Linux.Those who would like to order a laptop with Linux, can visit slimbook.com or other providers of Linux machines.

Upgrading to Leap Micro 6.1 Beta with opensuse-migration-tool

admin@opensuse.org (Lubos Kocman) — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Leap Micro 6.1 Beta was released last Wednesday. Images can be found at get.opensuse.org As this is mostly a rebrand of SUSE Linux Enterprise Micro 6.1, unless some serious issues are found, users can expect a quick transition to RC and GA next week.

We’re introducing a new migration tool with Leap Micro 6.1 which should hopefully ease future upgrades to a Leap Micro releases, specifically new major versions. Let’s have a look at how to deploy it from git on older Leap Micro releases as well as how to install it on Leap Micro 6.1 Beta.

The main benefit for the user is that you don’t have to deal manually with any repository changes that might have been introduced in a new releases. This will hopefully lead to smoother and more straightforward upgrades. As of now the opensuse-migration-tool is still experimental.

Testing the tool with Leap Micro container from your Leap or Tumbleweed

We have to be running an older version of Leap Micro to be able to upgrade to 6.1.

Since we’re using distrobox in this example our host can be running Leap, Tumbleweed, Aeon. Distrobox will have access to your home directory, including the git checkout.

The key is to use –pre-release to have Leap Micro 6.1 as an available upgrade target.

$ git clone https://github.com/openSUSE/opensuse-migration-tool.git
$ cd opensuse-migration-tool
$ distrobox create --image registry.opensuse.org/opensuse/leap-micro/6.0/toolbox --name micro60
$ distrobox enter micro60 # from now on inside distrobox
$ zypper in bc jq curl dialog sed gawk
$ ./opensuse-migration-tool --pre-release --dry-run
$ sudo ./opensuse-migration-tool --pre-release # Chooose Leap Micro 6.1
$ cat /etc/os-release # should confirm that you've upgraded to 6.1

Enjoy your new Leap Micro 6.1 Beta container

If you trash your container, just type exit podman stop micro60 or docker stop micro60 followed by distrobox rm micro60. And you can start all over again.

Testing the tool on Leap Micro host or inside the VM

Here we have to use transactional-update shell as we’re working inside Leap Micro 6.0 or even 5.5 host or a VM. Just like in the previous case, the important piece is to try it from a Leap Micro release older than 6.1, as otherwise, the only migration target would be MicroOS.

Make sure to use –pre-release to have 6.1 Beta as a viable migration target.

$ sudo transactional-update shell # from now on inside shell
$ zypper in git bc jq curl dialog sed gawk 
$ git clone https://github.com/openSUSE/opensuse-migration-tool.git
$ cd opensuse-migration-tool
$ ./opensuse-migration-tool --pre-release --dry-run
$ sudo ./opensuse-migration-tool --pre-release  # Choose Leap Micro 6.1 as a target
$ reboot

*Enjoy Leap Micro 6.1 Beta

Don’t worry In case you mess up, we’re using transactional-update shell. You can always boot the previous snapshot.

Testing Leap Micro 6.1 to MicroOS upgrade migration

Since there is no newer point release than Leap Micro 6.1 Beta, the only migration/upgrade target would be MicroOS.

The point of this example is to show that the Leap Micro 6.1 repository already contains the opensuse-migration-tool Therefore there is no need to run it from a git checkout unless you want to tinker with it.

$ sudo transactional-update shell
$ zypper in opensuse-migration-tool # Will work only on Leap Micro 6.1
$ sudo opensuse-migration-tool --dry-run # to oversee what would change
$ sudo opensuse-migration-tool # MicroOS is expected to be the only migration option from Leap Micro 6.1 Beta

Don’t bother re-running the opensuse-migration-tool once you upgrade to MicroOS which is in fact openSUSE Tumbleweed. There is really nothing newer that you could migrate to, and you’ll get the message that openSUSE Tumbleweed is unsupported. This behavior is expected.

Known issues

Bug 1233982 - Upgrade to 6.1 (netcfg) failed

This particular issue will for sure pop up in your distrobox-based experiments. Distrobox mounts over /etc/hostname with a bind mount and the upgrade of netcfg will fail on post-script. This is safe to ignore (type i in interactive zypper dup).

The migration tool tries to run non-interactively at first, and in case it fails it leaves problem resolution on the user by re-running zypper dup in interactive mode.

Contributing

If you’re interested in contributing feel free to send PR, report issues or features against openSUSE/opensuse-migration-tool Github repository