EXHIBIT 23.1



            CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Form S-8 No. 333-109345, No. 333-109346, No. 33-14531, No. 33-54483, No.
33-64998, No. 33-65440, No. 33-68336, No. 333-04775, No. 333-04823, No.
333-62087, No. 333-62103, No. 333-95409, No. 333-41328, No. 333-71502 and No.
333-97713) pertaining to employee equity compensation plans of Novell, Inc. of
our report dated November 16, 2004 with respect to the consolidated financial
statements and schedule of Novell, Inc. and subsidiaries included in the Annual
Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended October 31, 2004.


                                    /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Boston, Massachusetts
January 10, 2005