How good is Slackware?

Slackware has a Lunoo score of 7.6/10. This score is based on AI-powered analysis of category fit, feature coverage, pricing signals, public reception, and recency.

Is Slackware worth it in 2026?

Slackware scores 7.6/10 in the Linux Distribution category on Lunoo. Compare it with alternatives to find the best fit for your needs.

What are the best alternatives to Slackware?

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Slackware

7.64

Good

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description Slackware Overview

Slackware is one of the oldest surviving Linux distributions, created by Patrick Volkerding in 1993, notable for its BSD-style init system and strict UNIX philosophy with minimal automated dependency management.

balance Slackware Pros & Cons

thumb_up Pros

check Highly stable operating system
check Minimal and lightweight design
check Excellent for learning Unix
check Strict adherence to Unix principles

thumb_down Cons

close Manual dependency resolution required
close Steep learning curve
close Smaller software repository

help Slackware FAQ

Does Slackware Linux have an automated package manager like APT or DNF?

No, Slackware uses its own package management system that famously lacks automated dependency resolution. Administrators must manually track and install dependencies, adhering to the distribution's strict UNIX philosophy of keeping things simple and transparent.

What initialization system does Slackware use to boot the system?

Unlike most modern Linux distributions that use systemd, Slackware utilizes a traditional BSD-style init system. This relies on standard shell scripts located in the /etc/rc.d directory to manage system services.

Who created Slackware and when was it first released?

Slackware was created by Patrick Volkerding and was first released in the year 1993. It is widely recognized as the oldest surviving Linux distribution still under active maintenance.

Is Slackware suitable for beginners who are new to Linux?

Slackware is generally not recommended for absolute beginners because it requires significant manual configuration via the command line. It is better suited for users who want to deeply learn the inner workings of a UNIX-like operating system.

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