I used SuSE Linux in parallel with WinXP and was happy with it - until it became open source and unusable 
I also don't like SeLinux, always have preferred using User and Admin logins in parallel.
Okay, the installation took a long time to download, then it succeeded.
Following steps according to Espressif guide.
Add Espressif to
Eclipse Help Install New Software
and install what you think is required. The Readme suggests (at least) Make utility and IDF Plugins.
Next step: Eclipse Espressif menu: Download and Configure ESP-IDF.
Next step: Espressif menu... Install tools.
Hang on install of Python. Ready only after next wake up.
Now ready for first project - and stuck
What is "C/C++ Perspective"?
Window > Perspective > Reset Perspective...
File > New > Espressif IDF Project
Have to close all Progress... tabs in order to show the project.
But: There is no active editor...
Solution: Select (double click) just created:
"hello_world_main" > main > hello_world_main.c
Start "Run..." from the green arrow button.
Wait several minutes for lengthy output.
Found problems!?
Run anyway ==> The serial port was not found...
Accept configure serial port
Open a terminal (rightmost icon in "Run..." panel)
Could not find the "Hello World" message in the output
Console seems to show output from the last flashed project of the ESP32, not the expected "Hello World" program
Round 3 (or 5?)
The Espressif Hello World sample program does not match the installed firmware, several undefined symbols.
The Blink example succeeded after I configured the built-in LED pin properly. Now also the definition is shown for the symbol under the cursor 
I Used SuSe SLED for a time, i wasn't disappointed with it.
Thanks Guys for all your input.
I've made a decision
it comes down to a shoot out of 2 and which i personally prefer, but that might take about a month of installation and working with it to decide
so it's gonna be
PLATFORM IO
ECLIPSE
I want to add this to the post
My Question has been answered and i'll now close this topic
Topic closed at the request of the OP.