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Slackware

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Company health

Employee growth
No change in the last year

Ratings

G2
4.3/5
(29)

Slackware description

Slackware is a Linux operating system known for its focus on simplicity and staying true to traditional Unix principles. It prioritizes stability and giving experienced users flexibility and control over their system. Slackware includes popular software but expects users to be comfortable with system administration tasks.


Who is Slackware best for

Slackware is a Linux operating system designed for experienced users who value simplicity and control. Its fast installation and stable performance are praised, but beginners may find the initial setup and manual package management challenging. Ideal for those seeking a pure Linux experience.

  • Ideal for small to large enterprises (1-1000+ employees).

  • Well-suited for experienced Linux users in any industry.


Slackware features

Type in the name of the feature or in your own words tell us what you need
Supported

Slackware offers system configuration tools like setup, pkgtool and configuration scripts.

Supported

Slackware is a Linux distribution, and as such, it has built-in support for command-line operations.

Supported

Slackware supports CLI package management via tools like pkgtool, slackpkg, installpkg, and removepkg.

Supported

Slackware uses pkgtool, SlackMan, or slpkg for package management.


Slackware reviews

We've summarised 29 Slackware reviews (Slackware G2 reviews) and summarised the main points below.

Pros of Slackware
  • Simple and lightweight design.
  • Fast installation process.
  • Stable and reliable performance.
  • Highly customizable and flexible.
  • Offers a pure Linux experience.
Cons of Slackware
  • Initial setup can be challenging for new users.
  • Can be prone to crashing under heavy load.
  • Requires manual package management and dependency resolution.
  • Limited software repository compared to other distributions.
  • Steep learning curve for beginners.

Slackware alternatives

  • Logo of Arch
    slackware vs Arch
    More customizable and minimalist. A steeper learning curve and requires advanced Linux knowledge for the Slackware alternative.
    Read more
  • Logo of Red Hat Enterprise Linux
    Red Hat Enterprise Linux
    Better suited for enterprise customers seeking a commercially supported and stable Linux distribution. Red Hat Enterprise Linux offers broader industry applicability and long-term support. It has a larger community and more extensive documentation. A good Slackware alternative.
    Read more
  • Logo of Debian
    Debian
    Better fit for users seeking a stable and secure system with broad software options and strong community support. A Slackware alternative known for its reliability. Debian is a better fit for those less comfortable with manual system administration.
    Read more
  • Logo of Android
    Android
    Better for less technical users. Wider industry applicability and broader device compatibility. Stronger focus on user-friendliness and ease of use. Larger software ecosystem.
    Read more
  • Logo of Amazon Linux 2
    Amazon Linux 2
    Better for cloud-based applications, especially on AWS. Easier to use, with positive pricing sentiment. Good for businesses of all sizes.
    Read more
  • Logo of Sabayon
    Sabayon
    Better for users seeking a balance between user-friendliness and advanced features. Focuses on providing the latest software updates and a smooth desktop experience.
    Read more

Slackware FAQ

  • What is Slackware and what does Slackware do?

    Slackware is a Linux operating system emphasizing simplicity, stability, and adherence to Unix principles. It provides a pure Linux experience with high customizability and a fast installation process. However, it requires manual package management and has a steeper learning curve, making it best suited for experienced Linux users.

  • How does Slackware integrate with other tools?

    Slackware integrates with other tools primarily through its command-line interface and package management system. Users can install and manage a wide range of software packages, scripting tools, and utilize various command-line utilities for system integration and automation.

  • What the main competitors of Slackware?

    Slackware alternatives include Arch Linux, Debian, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux. These distributions cater to users seeking control and flexibility, similar to Slackware, but may offer different levels of user-friendliness and package management.

  • Is Slackware legit?

    Yes, Slackware is a legitimate and safe Linux distribution known for its stability and adherence to Unix principles. It's ideal for experienced users who appreciate its flexibility and control. However, it's considered challenging for beginners due to its manual configuration and steep learning curve.

  • How much does Slackware cost?

    Slackware Linux is a free and open-source operating system. There is no cost to download, install, or use it. Therefore, it is considered highly worthwhile by its community of users.

  • Is Slackware customer service good?

    There is no information available about Slackware's customer service. However, some users find the initial setup challenging, while others appreciate its simple design and stable performance.


Reviewed by

MK
Michal Kaczor
CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

TT
Tymon Terlikiewicz
CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.