OpenSuse project has released the latest milestone – Milestone 2 of its OpenSuse 11.3 which features Linux 2.6.33 and also the new KDE 4.4 Desktop. This new KDE desktop introduces a new netbook interface, native window tabbing and the KAuth authentication Framework, among other improvements and new applications.

KDE 4.4’s Plasma Desktop

Besides that, there are also updates to NetworkManager, ModemManager and other network related plug-ins which do not add features, but support more hardware and include bug fixes. Other updated packages include DigiKam, evolution, Mono, GnuTLS and libgphoto2. Developers will also find Bootchart 2.0.0.9, a tool for analysing slow system booting, included.

As per DesktopLinux:

The Novell-sponsored OpenSUSE project released Milestone 2 of its OpenSUSE 11.3, featuring Linux 2.6.33, GNOME 2.3 beta, and a new network security stack. OpenSUSE 11.3 Milestone 2 also debuts the new KDE 4.4 desktop, which adds a netbook interface, plus new tabbing and social networking features.

The OpenSUSE project, which acts as the community upstream source for Novell’s SUSE Linux, released Milestone 1 of version 11.3 in late January. OpenSUSE 11.3, which is scheduled for final release in July, offers upgraded versions of open source software including Linux 2.6.33, OpenOffice 3.2 Beta4, VirtualBox 3.1 beta 1, and Mono 2.6.

The release also includes the major new 4.4 release of the KDE desktop (see farther below), as well as the 2.30 beta 1 of the GNOME desktop. Live CDs with either environment are now said to be available. Plans for the upcoming Milestone 3, meanwhile, include the switch to GCC 4.5.0 as the default compiler, says the OpenSUSE project.

To learn more about testing openSUSE, visit the Testing pages on the openSUSE wiki.