Novell Unveils SUSE Linux 9.1

The desktop Linux products are the first to be based on the open-source code's 2.6 kernel, said Joe Eckert, vice president of communications of SUSE at Novell.

The two offerings run on both 32-bit and 64-bit computing platforms from Intel or AMD. Additionaly, the choice of either the Gnome 2.4.2 or KDE 3.2.1 desktop interface is available, according to Novell, Waltham, Mass.

Both the Personal and Professional versions ship with a suite of applications, including Internet browsing, e-mail, and graphics, audio and video software. The Rekall database application, Matrica's Moneyplex home banking software and the Scribus desktop-publishing application are also included in each version, according to Novell.

SUSE Linux 9.1 will be available May 6. The personal version starts at $29.95 and the professional version at $89.95.

Novell purchased SUSE last November, and this year's BrainShare developer's conference in Salt Lake City is expected to highlight the open-source software's capabilities.