enjoy spectacular xgl on suse linux its better than vista's aero

what is xgl?
gl is a new Xserver architecture layered on top of OpenGL. Xgl can perform intricate graphical operations--such as rendering antialiased fonts--noticeably faster than other available Xservers that do not use OpenGL. The current implementation is Xglx but the future implementation of Xgl will be Xegl.

More important than speed alone, Xgl accelerates complex composite operations, making possible new stunning visual effects through on OpenGL-enhanced composition/window managers like Compiz. These visual effects have broad practical use, making Linux more accessible for the visually impaired, and creating a workspace that is easier to comprehend and navigate for less experienced users.

Xgl must be used in combination with a compositor/window manager to expose all of its capabilities. Compiz is the compositor utility that was developed in conjunction with Xgl.

It is possible that future graphics hardware will support only 3D operations, without any 2D core any more. For this reason, Xgl is an important advance for all operating systems that rely on the X.org graphical foundation.

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compare linux with windows vista

Are you ready to slash your IT costs?

Put SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop in front of your users and keep them happy and productive with a desktop that does everything they need it to do for 70% less than the price of Windows Vista with Windows Office.

Fun to use. Easy to deploy. Hard to hack.
It's the smart choice.

Features & Benefits:

Software on your budget. Tired of paying high prices for your proprietary desktop platform? SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop with OpenOffice.org can cost less than one-tenth the price of Windows and Office. Change the way you think about your desktop platform

Achieve peaceful coexistence. Your operating systems don't have to be at war. SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop was designed to easily coexist with other operating systems; in fact, it's the Linux desktop that plays most nicely in a mixed environment. It connects seamlessly to Active Directory, runs Novell GroupWise and Lotus Notes, and will connect to GroupWise, Lotus Domino, and Microsoft Exchange servers

You're paying too much for Office. If you're paying anything for office applications, it's too much. SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop ships with a full office suite including word processing, spreadsheet, presentation graphics, drawing and database applications. Moreover, OpenOffice.org Novell Edition documents are fully compatible with Microsoft Office files so you don't miss a beat.

Secure your systems. Protect applications and even the operating system from the harmful effects of attacks, viruses and other malware with AppArmor. Abnormal or unnecessary application behavior is denied and logged—effectively securing any vulnerabilities

Bring the real WOW to your desktop. In SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop, the Xgl graphical environment dramatically improves the user experience with features like the spinning cube, application tiling and window-preview alt-tabbing

Does your search leave you missing something... like results? With Beagle integrated desktop search, users don't need to worry about where or when they stored or accessed information. Simple keyword searches return all documents, applications, e-mail, instant messages and even recent Web pages in a single results window

nd repetitive install syndrome. Perform unattended and automated installation with AutoYaST. Administrators can easily create a consistent baseline configuration for new installations with free included software.

Updates don't have to mean reboots. No more interruptions. Keep software patched and updated through ZENworks Linux Management, which is easier than Windows Update, and help users avoid rebooting


****the above given information complies only to suse linux desktop(enterprise version)
**some productivity applications like openoffice are common on all linux distros
**yast is command and control system for SUSE linux operating systems

Desktop Solution

Where Do I Start?

Different groups of PC users have different needs—so how do you decide which to move onto Linux first? Because everyone at Novell uses Linux, we're a little biased, but many of our customers tell us that desktop Linux is a better fit for some users than others.

Click on any of the user types below to learn more about them and to learn which of our desktops is best suited for those users.

Fixed-function User kiosk point of sale data-entry terminal factory floor	Transactional User shared desktop front office	Technical Workstation User engineering illustration animation scientific	Basic Office Worker advanced office college student consultant	General-Purpose User * small office/home office personal/home gaming technical enthusiast
Managed Environment1				Unmanaged Environment2

¹ These desktops are typically found in organizations where there is a support organization managing and maintaining the devices.

² These desktops are typically found in homes or very small businesses where there is no formal centralized management or support organization.

Fixed-function User	Novell Recommends:
Description: Fixed-function users typically access a single application that provides specific line-of-business functionality, such as a cash register. These machines do not present a desktop or provide any productivity applications, and offer no access to the operating system.	SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop + -or- Novell Linux Point of Service +
Example: A grocery store check-out clerk, a traveler using an airport check-in kiosk, or a bank customer using an ATM machine.

Transactional User	Novell Recommends:
Description: Transactional users primarily work in one or more line-of-business applications, many of which are forms-based. In addition, they often require a basic office suite, e-mail, calendaring and Internet access. These users generally have limited operating system expertise and no need to re-set preferences.	SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop +
Example: Travel agents, bank tellers.

Technical Workstation Users	Novell Recommends:
Description: Technical workstation users run industry-specific, compute-intensive applications such as CAD/CAM on high-performance hardware. They also communicate through email and instant messaging, browse the Internet, and use conventional office productivity applications. Many will have used UNIX workstations in the past.	SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop +
Example: Mechanical engineers, software developers, feature film animators, financial analysts, oil and gas geoscientists.

Basic Office Worker	Novell Recommends:
Description: Basic office workers make extensive use of their desktop applications to create and modify complex documents for use within and outside of their companies. They require tight integration between the component applications that make up their office suites and other specialized productivity applications and collaboration environments. Basic office workers frequently employ laptop systems, and expect a transparent experience whether tethered or mobile. They typically customize their PC environments, and often attempt to remedy problems themselves before calling the helpdesk. Note: Novell has identified a broad spectrum of use cases required to meet the needs of these types of users and is one of largest contributors to this segment. While Novell is not currently focusing its go-to-market efforts on basic office workers, many are finding Novell's desktop Linux product offerings to be an excellent fit.	SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop +
Example: A marketing professional who is an office suite power-user, and who also uses a flow-chart design application, an image editing suite, a collaboration environment and the Web.

General-Purpose User *	Novell Recommends:
Description: General-purpose users require the most flexibility because the category comprises literally thousands of use cases and is a catch-all of individually managed systems. General-purpose users require support for a diverse range of applications including high-end games, tools for multimedia, basic office automation, home accounting and tax preparation, Web, instant messaging, photo management and editing and many others. These are not power users, however, and they do not require complex functions such as scripting. General-purpose users do expect trouble-free interoperation with printers, scanners, business card readers, external hard drives, digital cameras, portable digital music players, Webcams and various other serial and USB-based devices—all simultaneously from one machine. They are increasingly adding second and third computers and expect simple connectivity and secure file sharing over wireless and wired networks. Note: Novell has identified a broad spectrum of use cases required to meet the needs of these types of users and is one of largest contributors to this segment. While Novell is not currently focusing its go-to-market efforts on general-purpose users, many are finding Novell's desktop Linux product offerings to be an excellent fit.	SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop + (for business use) -or- openSUSE + (for home and personal use)
Example: A home-based eBay business operator. She uses an accounting package to manage the family budget and her business finances. Her son also uses the same computer to do homework, download MP3s and play games.