www.slackware.org

The very first version of the Linux operating system I installed back in 1994 was Slakware Linux. Now, in its 13th version, as of spring 2010, the operating system continues to remain a viable platform for users to install. So what’s makes for the appeal of this flavor of Linux compared to others? Let’s explore that.

The most Unix-like
Well, admittedly, that sounds like competitive bluster amongst teenage boys, but Slakware Linux does stick very much to using text files for its configuration files. Also, true to the Unix standard, the best work is done on the command-line. So users wanting to get the most out of this operating system are well-advised to know a basic set of Unix commands (ls, find, and grep) along with Unix regular expressions (,,,,,,) and the vi editor. While this may seem daunting to some and does present itself as a steep learning curve, rest assured it’s a steep hill and not a mountain. Also, the skills learned in administrating a Slakware Linux installation will lend themselves well to the other commercial Unix flavors that pay very good money to understand.

User-interface
Slakware may be the most Unix-like Linux flavor on the market, but you will still be able to make use of KDE, openbox, XFCE and other graphical user interfaces. So if you’re thinking your entire Slakware experience will be in a command-shell, you’re wrong. When it comes to writing papers, using a spreadsheet, playing DVDs, mp3 tunes, reading e-mail and surfing the net, you’ll do so in the full class and style as had on other Linux flavors.

Ease of Installation
The easiest way to install Slakware is to download the DVD image which is free. There are other ways to be sure but this is the easiest for beginners.

In short, if you want to just use a flavor of Linux there are as many options out there as coffee, but if you want to gain a solid foundation of “Unix” then Slakware is for you.

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