Hi, Many year Slackware user here, it's how I really learned Linux... of course. And Thank You! I have been reading forums about what people would like changed in Slackware, software sets and full install, pertaining to disk space. Understanding that disk space is cheap and a full install will have less hassle with possible dependency issues, that is not my issue.

We are well past the floppy install days so the size of the software sets don't matter. What I think could be advantageous and slackers might like is to have just a few more options as to software installed. I also know about tagfiles, expert install, etc. but for just a little more definition I think people would like to have a few more customized install options. Less is more, security issues, less to upgrade, etc.

Nothing major, but maybe break up 'N' by different types of programs. (I go though and uninstall so many apps, like all chat & news apps.) Separate basic networking stuff (required, like system tools) from network apps. Or group by what one would see in the GUI app menu.

I am having a harder and harder time upgrading Slackware because I'm still trying to squeeze into a 5 GB volume.

Could you please think about & consider breaking up the AP, N, XAP software sets?

Thanks,
Nate
Slackware 13.37
Slackware64 13.37

Hello nates1, welcome (back?) to LQ.

I suggest that you send an email about that to Mr. Patrick Volkerding, as he is the only decision maker in such matter.

I would be very surprised that you request receive a positive answer though

I sent this email to Mr. Volkerding on 10/13/11. No reply. I have to assume that no response is a negative answer. Hence my posting here. Oh well. Maybe someone, me if I get time, will make custom .tag files for different uses. Thanks.
The power of Slackware is choice and freedom!
Nate

I have installed linux distros on various hardware with limited space and resources and i can appreciate the dilemma. You might consider Vector Linux Light. Version 7.0 was just released and it is a slackware based distro that fits on a CD. IIRC its installed size was less than 2 gigs. It has a few window manager choices, including fluxbox and many of the advantages of slackware.

The organisation of the 'disksets' certainly could do with a bit of a revamp to better reflect today's environments and needs. I don't think anyone would argue with that. But I suspect there are much more pressing issues the devs are working on, and they simply won't have the time to spend on these sorts of issues.

Personally, I'd like to see the 'n' set go away. it's a mishmash of applications, server daemons and system utilities that really don't belong together.

The existing packages are broken up as such to reflect their nature as to what they are used for. There's no need to break them up farther. The design of Slackware and even it's directory structure is centered around simplicity of usage, understanding, and functionality.