Agama, the new still-in-development Linux installer from openSUSE, released version 12, unveiling various interface enhancements and practical new features.
Perhaps the most striking change is its complete user interface overhaul, which was done by migrating to Patternfly 6, the same UI framework used by Cockpit. So, the UI now aligns more closely with the SUSE branding guidelines, refreshing everything from typography to color schemes. But the improvements go beyond simple aesthetics.
One of the most notable functional changes is the redesign of the Storage section, which is responsible for handling partitions, LVM volume groups, and more. Previous versions of Agama offered an impressive range of storage configuration options, but some users reported challenges discovering or understanding these powerful features.
In response, the Agama team introduced a new Storage interface, aiming to balance user-friendliness and advanced configuration possibilities. The fresh design also lays the groundwork for upcoming features such as software RAID configuration.
On the security side, Agama 12 begins shifting away from the traditional approach of mandating a root password and default sudo configuration. At this early stage, the authentication-related updates focus on streamlining the steps to organize users, privileges, and authentication methods.
According to devs, the team plans to refine both the usability and the wording in this section soon, ensuring administrators have full clarity when tailoring system security to their needs.
Moreover, Agama 12 now supports post-partitioning scripts, supplementing the existing triggers (pre-installation scripts, post-installation scripts, and init scripts). With this addition, administrators can execute custom scripts immediately after configuring the storage layout but before the package installation begins.
For those curious about what we can expect from the new openSUSE installer in the coming months, the Agama team has unveiled a Roadmap section on the installer’s home page. For more information, see the announcement.
Image credits: openSUSE
