Slackware has a rich history as the oldest active Linux distribution, developed by Patrick Volkerding. Here’s an overview of its journey from inception to its current state:
- Slackware was released in July 1993 by Patrick Volkerding, a recent university graduate. At the time, Linux distributions were few and primarily experimental.
- Volkerding originally created Slackware as a personal project to simplify his Linux setup. The distribution was based on Softlanding Linux System (SLS), which was popular but had some usability issues.
- Slackware’s initial goal was to provide a clean, reliable, and stable Linux experience for users who wanted simplicity without unnecessary tools or packages.
¶ 2. Initial Success and Popularity (1993–1996)
- Slackware quickly gained traction, becoming the dominant Linux distribution through the mid-1990s.
- At the time, other distributions were emerging, but Slackware’s simplicity, stability, and lack of bloat appealed to users.
- Unlike some contemporaries, Slackware emphasized a “pure” Unix-like environment and allowed users to install and configure only what they needed.
- In the mid to late 1990s, more Linux distributions entered the scene, such as Red Hat and Debian. These distributions began focusing on package management and user-friendly features, which Slackware didn’t prioritize.
- While other distributions moved toward more complex package managers with dependency resolution, Slackware retained its minimalist approach, preferring simplicity and user control over automation.
¶ 4. Open Source Principles and the Slackware Community (2000s)
- The 2000s brought the rise of open-source communities and projects, and Slackware maintained its strong user base. LinuxQuestions.org became a primary hub for Slackware users to ask questions, share knowledge, and contribute to the community.
- Despite the increasing popularity of user-friendly distributions like Ubuntu, Slackware retained its core philosophy, emphasizing stability, user knowledge, and hands-on configuration.
¶ 5. Challenges and Financial Struggles (2005–2010)
- In the mid-2000s, Slackware faced financial challenges, as many open-source projects did. Volkerding continued to work on the project, often funding it himself and relying on donations.
- In 2004, Volkerding announced that he was experiencing health issues and financial difficulties, which raised concerns about Slackware’s future.
- However, the Slackware community rallied around the project, offering donations, support, and development assistance, which helped Volkerding continue maintaining it.
¶ 6. Maintaining a Stable Foundation (2010s)
- During the 2010s, while other distributions continued adding more graphical interfaces and automation, Slackware remained committed to its roots, continuing to prioritize stability, manual configuration, and simplicity.
- Slackware’s release cycle became less frequent, focusing on stability and extensive testing. This made it a popular choice for server environments and users who wanted a predictable, reliable system.
- Tools like SlackBuilds.org and third-party package managers (e.g.,
slapt-get, sbopkg) became important in the Slackware ecosystem, helping users manage additional software and dependencies more easily.
¶ 7. Modern Era and Slackware 15.0 Release (2022)
- After a long wait, Slackware 15.0 was released in February 2022, almost six years after Slackware 14.2. This release introduced updates like support for newer hardware, KDE Plasma 5, and various under-the-hood improvements, all while adhering to Slackware’s minimalist philosophy.
- Slackware 15.0 was praised for maintaining its traditional approach while integrating essential modern updates, such as improved hardware compatibility, support for Wayland, and updated libraries and software packages.
¶ 8. Legacy and Influence
- Slackware remains influential in the Linux community, often seen as a benchmark for simplicity, stability, and Unix philosophy. It has inspired derivatives, such as Slax and VectorLinux, and has set a standard for what a minimalist Linux distribution can be.
- Though it has a niche audience compared to more mainstream distributions, Slackware’s community and long history give it a loyal user base that continues to support its development and share its philosophy.
- Simplicity: Favors manual configuration and minimal tools.
- Stability: Prioritizes reliability over cutting-edge features.
- Transparency: Allows users to understand and control every aspect of their system.
- Unix-Like Consistency: Maintains a clean and consistent Unix environment without layers of abstraction.
Through all these years, Slackware has retained its core identity and remains a symbol of the original Linux spirit. It’s a testament to open-source endurance and the importance of user choice and control in the Linux world.
Slackware Overview
Package Management in Slackware
Slackware FAQ