Patrick Volkerding did not got down to create a Linux distribution. He simply wished to simplify the method of putting in and configuring Softlanding Linux System. But when SLS did not decide up his enhancements, Volkerding determined to launch his work as Slackware. On July 17, 1993, he introduced model 1.zero. 1 / 4 century and 30-plus variations later, Slackware is the oldest actively maintained Linux distribution.
For many early Linux customers, Slackware was their introduction. One consumer instructed me her first Linux set up was Slackware—and he or she had to make use of a hex editor to repair the partition tables in order that Slackware would set up. Support for her hardware was added in a later launch. Another acquired his begin constructing the information middle that may energy one of many first internet-enabled actual property websites. In the mid-1990s, Slackware was one of many best distributions to get and did not require a variety of effort to get IP masquerading to work accurately. A 3rd particular person talked about going to sleep whereas a kernel compile job ran, solely to search out out it had failed when he wakened.
All of those anecdotes would recommend a hard-to-use working system. But Slackware followers do not see it that means. The undertaking’s web site says the 2 prime priorities are “ease of use and stability.” For Slackware, “ease of use” means simplicity. Slackware doesn’t embody a graphical installer. Its bundle supervisor doesn’t carry out any dependency decision. This could be jarring for brand new customers, notably inside the previous couple of years, nevertheless it additionally allows a deeper understanding of the system.
The totally different tackle ease of use is not the one factor distinctive about Slackware. It additionally doesn’t have a public bug tracker, code repository, or well-defined methodology of neighborhood contribution. Volkerding and a small group of contributors preserve the tree in a rolling launch referred to as “-current” and publish a launch when it meets the function and stability objectives they’ve set.
As the oldest distro round, Slackware has been very influential. The earliest releases of SUSE Linux have been based mostly on Slackware, and distributions reminiscent of Arch Linux could be seen as philosophical heirs to Slackware. And whereas its reputation might have fallen through the years—the marginally youthful Debian has 10x the variety of subscribers on its sub-Reddit, for instance—it stays an lively undertaking with a loyal fan base. So pleased 25th birthday, Slackware, and here is to 25 extra!
Share your recollections of the early (or current) days of Slackware within the feedback.
