Step #1 Download the OpenSUSE ISO image

Download the ISO image for your hardware. If you want the 32 bit version of openSUSE, click here to download (If you don’t know if you have 32 bit or 64 bit hardware just download the 32 bit version as it will work on both types of hardware). Here’s the download link for the 64 bit version of OpenSUSE.

Step #2 Burn the OpenSUSE  ISO image to a CD/DVD

Once the ISO image is downloaded, burn the ISO to a CD or DVD. For a tutorial on how to burn an ISO to a CD/DVD on Mac OS X click here. For a tutorial on how to burn an ISO to a CD/DVD on Microsoft Windows click here.

Step #3 Booting into OpenSUSE

Step #3.1 Boot to the OpenSUSE Live CD

Once the OpenSUSE Live CD is done burning, insert the Live CD into the hardware that you want OpenSUSE installed on.

A screen like the one below should pop up.

Followed by the boot options screen. When the boot options screen appears, immediately press the “f3″ key.

Step #3.2 Select the proper resolution

Then use the up and down arrow keys to highlight the proper resolution for your monitor. If you’re unsure of what resolution your monitor supports select “1280 x 800″, as this will work on most monitors.  Once the proper resolution is highlighted hit the enter key.

After the resolution is selected make sure “openSUSE Live (GNOME)” is highlighted and hit enter to start OpenSUSE.

Step #4 Start OpenSUSE installer

Step #4.1 Get to OpenSUSE Live CD desktop

After the operating system boots you should be greeted by a screen like the one below. Click the “CLOSE” button to get to the desktop.

Step #4.2 Start the OpenSUSE installer

Once in the OpenSUSE desktop double click the “Live Installer” icon in the upper left corner of the desktop.

If you have less than 1 GB of memory installed in the system you will get a warning like the one below. Just click “Continue”, I performed the installation with 512 MB of RAM and it worked great.

Step #4.3 Select language

Select your language and keyboard layout and then hit “Next”.

Step #4.4 Select time zone and set the time and date

Select your region and time zone. If the “Time and Date” aren’t correct for you try check marking “Hardware Clock Set To UTC”.

Step #4.5 Partitioning

Click on the “Create Partition Setup…” button.

Select the hard drive you would like to install OpenSUSE on.

Make sure “Propose Separate Home Partition” is unchecked. Also, make sure to check mark “Create LVM Based Proposal”.

Review the partitioning layout and then click “Next”.

Step #4.6 Create a new user

Fill out all of the text fields and check mark any desired options.

Step #4.7 Review live installation settings

Review the live installation setting and then click the “Install” button.

Click the “Install” button to start the installation.

Once the installation is done click “OK” to return to the live CD desktop.

Step #4.8 Reboot the computer

Go to the bottom left of the screen and click on the “Computer” button. Then click on “Shutdown”.

Click on “Restart”, once the computer restarts make sure to remove the CD or DVD from the drive to keep from booting back into the OpenSUSE Live CD.

Step #5 Automatic configuration

Once OpenSUSE boots you should be greeted by the automatic configuration screen.

Click “OK” to let OpenSUSE probe your system for the graphics card.

Click “CLOSE” to get to the OpenSUSE desktop. That’s all there is to it, enjoy your OpenSUSE installation.