openSUSE 15.5 Beta
Douglas DeMaio has announced the availability of the beta release of openSUSE 15.5, a distribution
also known as "Leap" and developed in parallel with SUSE Linux Enterprise (SLE).
The release is available for the x86_64, aarch64, PowerPC and s390x architectures.
"Leap 15.5 reaches beta phase.
The version will offer some newer software versions, but the release is not
a feature release.
Packages like a newer Mesa and having the OpenH264 repository enabled by default for
all new Leap 15.5 installations is planned.
Another new element for Leap 15.5 is a migration option.
A new single-click migration streamlines a migration process that took three steps in
previous openSUSE Leap releases.
The users that want to migrate from previous releases or 15.5 alpha can install openSUSE-repos-Leap,
which comes with the repo definition and it utilizes zypp services for repo management,
although this feature is not enabled by default.
However, a zypper-migration-plugin implementation as the main request on the Graphical User
Interface has been fulfilled into a separate element related to SUSE Linux Enterprise 15
Service Pack 5.
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The openSUSE Leap 15.5 Beta builds have begun for helping to test out this Linux distribution
update that is planned to be the last of the Leap 15 series.
OpenSUSE Leap 15 debuted back in 2018 and the Leap 15.5 milestone is expected to be
the last update in this line-up as SUSE/openSUSE developers remain quite active in the Adaptable
Linux Platform (ALP) as their next-gen Linux base.
OpenSUSE Leap 15.5 Beta brings a number of updated packages like a newer Mesa driver
stack, easier H.264 codec support, and many other software updates.
OpenSUSE Leap 15.5 intends to stick to using the Linux 5.14 kernel series that it has been
on and on the desktop side will be riding with the KDE Plasma 5.27 LTS series.
OpenSUSE Leap 15.5 will be supported across x86_64, AArch64, PowerPC, and s390x architectures.
The OpenSUSE 15.5 release candidate period is expected to take place in April.
The openSUSE Leap 15.5 stable release is currently marked for 7 June.
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The release manager for openSUSE Leap Luboš Kocman is expected to announce the Beta release
phase of Leap 15.5 soon.
The first Beta release is syncing on mirrors globally for people to download it and test
it out.
Users can begin testing the beta versions to find bugs before the general release, which
is scheduled for official release at the beginning of June, according to the roadmap.
The version will offer some newer software versions, but the release is not a feature
release.
Packages like a newer Mesa and having the OpenH264 repository enabled by default for
all new Leap 15.5 installations is planned.
Another new element for Leap 15.5 is a migration option.
A new single-click migration streamlines a migration process that took three steps in
previous openSUSE Leap releases.
The users that want to migrate from previous releases or 15.5 Alpha can install openSUSE-repos-Leap,
which comes with the repo definition and it utilizes zypp services for repo management;
although this feature is not enabled by default.
However, a zypper-migration-plugin implementation as the main request on the Graphical User
Interface has been fulfilled into a separate element related to SUSE Linux Enterprise 15
Service Pack 5.
Python 3.10 with its relevant modules will be made available to users in a later part
of the Beta phase, which will provide users a fully capable alternative to the default
system of Python 3.6.
A utility for managing Linux software RAID arrays was taken care of with an mdadm 4.2
upgrade.
An update for KDE users will happen with the Desktop Environment for Leap 15.5 set to have
Plasma 5.27, Plasma 5.27 is a Long Term Support version until the next LTS rolls around in
2024.
It provides excellent stability along with bug fixes.
A known issue for Leap 15.5 is the installation of util-linux-lang on ppc64le fails and is
recorded with boo #1208196.
Linux Kernel 5.14.21 will remain the same as that of Leap 15.4.
The wallpaper is expected to change as seen in the image above, but there is an option
for designing a new wallpaper for anyone interested in providing a design contribution.
There are some guidelines to help those willing to contribute.
The 15.5 version is expected to be the last of the Leap 15 series releases, which was
first released in May of 2018.
Architectures available for testing include x86_64, aarch64, PowerPC and s390x.
Testers are encouraged to try out Leap 15.5 on multiple laptops, workstations and other
hardware devices.
People testing it are encouraged to record their Leap Beta testing efforts on this spreadsheet.
Those interested in beta testing images for openSUSE Leap 15.5 Windows Subsystem for Linux
can contact Kocman or the factory mailing list.
Bugs should be reported on openSUSE’s bugzilla.
Bugs for packages inherited from SUSE Linux Enterprise should be reported against PUBLIC
SUSE Linux Enterprise SP5, server and High Availability.
The policy for setting priorities on these public products listed above have been updated.
A list of the Most Annoying Bugs for the Leap 15.5 beta will be posted on the wiki.
The roadmap shows openSUSE Leap 15.5 will reach its Release Candidate phase in late
April and the Gold Master is expected toward the end of May, which will then transition
the release to a maintenance phase.
The documentation and translations deadline is scheduled for May 14.
To celebrate, have an install party and test the openSUSE Leap 15.5 Beta.
A new openSUSE user may show up!
If you are unsure of how to do it, read this.
You can even drop in the openSUSE Bar to discuss the beta.