Do we know roughly when the next Slackware version will come out? 14.1 was Fall of 2013, and I just checked -current and saw that Pat is updating packages (my first worry was that Slack had died!).

I'm about to upgrade my home server from a 32 bit to a 64 bit processor, and it's still running Slackware 13.1 from June, 2010. I have the 14.1 discs but I'd hate to install something that's about to be updated. (I know I could upgrade the hardware without changing the software, but given how old it is, it seems like a good time to update the software too.)

I know I could run -current, but I'd rather stick with a released version.

I'm trying to decide what route to take. 14.1+security updates would be the easiest. I've also considered trying FreeBSD on the server, but I'm not sure I want to go to the time and headache of learning a new OS.

If you're curious:
Old server - Sempron 2600+, 1 gig of RAM
New server - Core 2 Quad, 4 gig of RAM

Thanks.

The best guess. I thought this info was in a sticky at one point in the past.

I'd go for Slackware64-14.1 with updates.

Usually there is at least a beta and several release candidates before a new sable release, so my forecast of an ETA is a few months from today. Plus, there's no need to upgrade as soon as new version shows, and you will need to wait a few more weeks to see the new third party software provided by slackbuilds.org available for the new version. And upgrading or installing anew after backup is not at all a daunting task anyway.

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We will have a new release when Pat decides that it is ready. There isn't a set time table for the release of Slackware 14.2. I'm running Slackware64-current and Slackware-current on three machines at the moment and am happy to report that -current is robust and stable.

Based on http://ciar.org/ttk/public/delta-slack.html I'd guess about six months, give or take a few.

I love these threads. Everyone knows the answer, yet the question always gets asked. Anticipation is in the air.

It's Advent in the Church of the SubGenius.

When it's done.

There's a lot to always do, so when the releases are done, they will be done, not before or after, otherwise, use -Current if you need a more up to date release.

Like everyone else has stated above there is no set date so its anyone's guess. But from using Slackware since 2001, given where we are at with the current changelog and the amount of time since the last release I would say it shouldn't be any longer than 3 months.

I am enjoying Slackware and I'm not in a rush to have a new version. I'm a Slacker and this pace suits me very well indeed. Praise Bob.

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There's a simple rule. It's NEVER when you ask for it... So don't ask. If not you'll curse all of us...

(Simply put: each time you start a thread about that, you'll have to wait at least 6 month... So STOP ASKING ! )

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Hi,

When PV is comfortable with Slackware '-current' to be released as a rc. And when PV feels the 'rc' should be a stable release after testing by fellow Slackers.

With the kernel now has release candidate 4.0-rc3 we should see a new 4.0 kernel. Maybe once 4.0 moves to long term then a new 'config' will be offered to us for use.

The kernel in flux as it is with new drivers from Intel and others that will help for new hardware then that can be a point for our future uses with newer hardware.

As a Slacker you should learn to have patience!
Have fun & enjoy!

Thanks to everyone who responded to my question.

This is the very first time I've asked...in 17-18 years of using Slackware. I started in the 3.x days in the late 90s, and I'm on the subscription program. I'm used to getting new releases of Slackware roughly annually, but I didn't pay close attention because I don't upgrade immediately, and it was supporting an OS I rely on. However, as I was planning this upgrade, I looked over to my rack of DVDs and - surprise, the latest release was a year and a half ago. The website hasn't been updated since then, either. For outward appearances, it doesn't look good. I know Pat is working on Slackware behind the scenes, but my initial impression was concern.

The other issue I have with installing a distribution that's a year and a half old is that a year and a half has elapsed off however long Pat maintains old distributions. (I don't know how long that is.) So if it's five years that he maintains them, the distribution is 30% to EOL already.

So, I'm not asking because I need or even want the latest shiny. My question was more along the lines of, am I going to get this installed, then discover the next version comes out next week, so I wouldn't have had to download all of the security updates made over the last 1.5 years?

I'm also asking because it looked like the project is slowing down (I remember getting TWO sets of discs per year). I just wanted some confirmation that Slackware is still alive and well.

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Hi,

Slackware is alive & well.

You will have continued security support with Slackware 14.1 if you sign up at http://www.slackware.com/lists/

If you use '-current' for experimentation purposes then your experience will be active with Slackware. Please remember that you should not run '-current' on production equipment as you can experience unwanted situations that will be addressed by PV to correct things. But you are responsible for any '-current' install.

Hope this helps.
Have fun & enjoy!

There are any number of reasons a new release is not yet released, but packages are currently being heavily updated across the board for stability. However, the next release is going to probably have a great deal of updates by fair comparison. The community has been heavily active in tracking software packages included in Slackware for updates which means Patrick, as well as Robby, Eric, the rest of the Slackware team are most likely testing packages heavily. This is why we say "When it's done..." as the answer.

When Patrick feels, as mentioned, the tree is at maximum stability and to his liking, the next release will come, but no sooner.

However, -Current right now is your best bet for the latest stuff. In ways running -Current is worth it, just be prepared to do more work on your own.