What is Slackware? Who it is for
Slackware is built independently rather than on another distribution. It uses KDE Plasma or Xfce as its desktop and slackpkg for software, and it follows numbered releases on a fixed schedule.
Slackware at a glance
- Foundation: built independently rather than on another distribution
- Desktop: KDE Plasma or Xfce
- Software tools: slackpkg
- Release style: numbered releases on a fixed schedule
- Installer: a text-based setup program
Who Slackware suits
Slackware suits users who value simplicity and a very traditional Unix-like design.
Strengths
- Fine control over how the system is built and what it contains.
- Changes arrive slowly and are tested first, so the system rarely surprises you.
Things to consider
- It expects you to read documentation and solve problems yourself, so it is not the best first Linux system.
- Stability means some software is not the very newest version.
- As a rough guide, about 2 GB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Try Slackware from a USB drive
The easiest way to find out is to start it from a USB drive without changing your computer. See the Slackware bootable USB drive, then follow our install guide when you are ready. New to this? Read how to try Linux without installing it and how to boot from a USB drive.
Compare Slackware
Installing software on Slackware
Slackware uses slackpkg. These commands search for a program and install it (replace name with the program):
slackpkg search name slackpkg install name
Most desktop systems also have a graphical software store. See how to install software on Linux. Run the install command as root on this system.
Frequently asked questions
Is Slackware good for beginners?
It can be used by beginners, but Slackware is aimed more at users who value simplicity and a very traditional Unix-like design. If you are brand new, a beginner-friendly distribution such as Linux Mint or Ubuntu is usually an easier first step.
What desktop does Slackware use?
Slackware uses KDE Plasma or Xfce. To learn how desktops differ, read what GNOME, KDE, Xfce and Cinnamon are.
How much RAM does Slackware need?
As a rough guide, about 2 GB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Is Slackware based on another distribution?
Slackware is built independently rather than on another distribution.
How often is Slackware updated?
Slackware follows numbered releases on a fixed schedule.
How can I try Slackware without installing it?
Write it to a USB drive, restart, choose the drive from the boot menu and pick the live or try option. Nothing on your internal disk changes unless you choose to install.