Slackware Linux
Slackware, first released in 1993, is the oldest distribution still maintained. It aims to be the most Unix-like: plain config files, no dependency solver, and a stable KDE Plasma 5 desktop on a 4.2 GB DVD.
Patrick Volkerding released Slackware 1.0 in July 1993. Slackware deliberately avoids dependency resolution — packages are tarballs plus install scripts, and the administrator decides what to install. slackpkg handles downloads and security updates from mirrors. Release cadence is famously slow; Slackware 15.0 shipped in February 2022 after nearly six years, and -current rolls continuously toward the next release.
Key facts
- First release: July 1993 — the oldest surviving distribution.
- Slackware 15.0 released February 2022 with kernel 5.15 and Plasma 5.
- slackpkg for mirror updates; no automatic dependency resolution.
- BSD-style init scripts, plain text configuration.
Best for: Experienced users who want a predictable, minimal-abstraction system and are comfortable editing configuration files directly.
Recent releases
| Version | Released | Kernel |
|---|---|---|
| 15.0 | 2 February 2022 | 5.15 |
| 14.2 | 1 July 2016 | 4.4 |
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FAQ
How does Slackware handle dependencies?
It doesn't resolve them automatically. The package tools install what you ask for and report missing requirements; the admin adds them manually.
Is Slackware still maintained?
Yes. Slackware 15.0 is the current stable with security updates, and Slackware -current is the development branch toward 16.0.
What is slackpkg?
A package tool for downloading and installing Slackware packages from mirrors, including security patches for the installed set.