onebuck, I've been thinking about using Slackware more ... I've tried it before, but didn't stick with it for very long ... what do you think is better about Slackware than other distributions?

LOL

cause Slack ain't gonna hold your hand like Ubuntu

You gotta learn configuring and adding pkg's without a gui pkg manager

But, slack is better in Many ways

it's very stable

you'll see...

onebuck, I feel like maybe I started off poorly with you, since I made a post saying that you were advertising 24 hours a day it seems like ... but I guess you aren't, going by the other posts I've read of yours.
linus72: I've read about it being very stable, and I've tried 12.2 with KDE 3.5 (which is the first time I've tried 3.5), but I didn't use it or read about it for long and was under the impression it had something like a package manager, and then afterwards read that it's a very big distribution for people who like configuring things through text files, also. It made me much more curious. I have used Gentoo before, but it does have a package manager. I did some of the Linux From Scratch, but didn't finish it - I had no problems, however, when installing it, it was just taking so long and I had other things I wanted to do. :)
Ubuntu is the easiest distribution I've used, for 100% of what I've done with it. It's very simple. Everything from installing it to packages, it's the simplest thing I've used. I'm using 9.10, but I installed it to an extended partition, and was going to have at least one other distribution on here, and was thinking about Gentoo or Slackware now, and was thinking maybe Slackware would be the way to go, from what I've read of it.
By the way, I'm the person who was using the chigurh8 nickname on here, but I changed my name.

Dig this dude, Joebuffer

98% of Linux is like editing config files/text files

no snit dude

Onebuck and the others know their stuff too

kde slack has kpackage

but, I never use kde, I like xfce, and the lighter stuff

KDE confuses me, it's like having 8 12 packs of different kinds of beer
and I gotta decide which one I'm gonna drink first...LOL?

Hi,

I'm not insulted by your query. Please read the definition. To 'anticipate' something is to attempt to do something to correct/prevent or the need to shield one from something expected so as not to do harm or error.

I really like the 'answers.com' usage;

In effect you are saying the same in your definition of the reasoning to turn acpi off. You just spun a little with the wording. Maybe some non-native speakers would have a problem. But I would look up a definition or translation whenever something isn't clear.

I could have used 'To look forward to; to expect' but to me 'anticipate' came out and fits. We all think and hopefully communicate so as to convey understanding to others. Look at the USAGE above. If you use that then things are really spinning. :) I hope this has helped to clarify.

Hi,
I like the configure ability, stability and the historic functions with Slackware. Plus I'm an old, and I mean a real old UNIX man. :) I only use a few LiveCDs that are based on other distributions. You can take a look at 'Tools, Recovery, Diagnostic, Emergency' section of 'Slackware-Links' to see the LiveCDs that I use.

Distro-hopping is not my cup of tea. You could do a search here on LQ as this very subject has been queried so many times. If you learn Slackware then you will be able to work with other distributions. You will need to learn the semantics of the other distributions but moving around them will be a lot easier once you learn the 'cli'. Sure you can still use a 'GUI' with Slackware but to configure properly you had better learn the command line.

Hi,
I like that analogy. :) What brands?

'Sam adams'
'MGD 64' for old men like me but I do like a good lager.
'Blue Moon'
'Leinenkugel's Original'
'Leinenkugel's Honey Weiss'
'Leinenkugel's Sunset Wheat'
'Leinenkugel's Creamy Dark'
'LaCrosse Lager'

Just a few that I really enjoy as in 'Free' to enjoy. :) So when they make a 'Lager 64' then send me to heaven. I know that would be impossible but we can dream. :)

I'm going to a birthday party today and that is 'Free' to 'Enjoy' plus it is 'Free' so the enjoyment is really going to be great to enjoy... Glug!

Hi,
It's just a communication layer thing! I do participate on LQ a lot. Partly because my physicians have restricted my physical activity. Which hopefully will be lifted fully. The limitations don't affect my mind, except maybe when I've had a few beers. I do mean a few now. Since those too are limited by the doctors.

I appreciate you being up front about your name change. But I really didn't have a problem except that it did seem you did not understand my reason(s) for what I've been doing here on LQ. I do come from academia and can get a little wordy. I've been trying to tone down a bit but that is difficult because of the conditioning over the years. :)

BTW, challenges are healthy. So don't stop if you find that something isn't clear. I've learned a lot here on LQ from the members. So ask or debate. I love this part of the LQ rules;

What sort of UNIX did you use?
linus72 - I feel very awkward when using KDE. I haven't gotten used to it yet. GNOME, Xfce, Fluxbox, I like all of them, and I don't feel awkward. For some reason KDE feels awkward to me. I think I just haven't used it for long enough and gotten used to it.
As far as configuration files, I've only gotten used to the ones I need when I'm installing something, basically ... like Gentoo. I've been planning on reading much more about configuration, also, but I've been reading a lot about sed/awk/find/bash scripting, and all the command-line first. I'm still getting used to some things, really ... I've been using Linux since early this year. :D

joeBuffer,

I like Slackware because Pat Volkerding has the last say about
everything. So you don't wind up with some wishy-washy democratic
committee collisions like in Debian.

Slackware has a sizable community of men who know their stuff. You
may never hear of/from most of them, but when something in Slack
needs fixing, they'll write Pat. And when it's been tested and it
is proven, Pat will add the fix.

Slackware has "pkgtool" and now "slackpkg" is part of the standard set
of packages. They don't resolve dependencies for you, they just help
you install Slackware packages. Slackware is built on the philosophy
that any software you want to add that is not an official Slackware
package is your responsibility. This might seem like it could be hard
on the users, but it has never been a problem for me. It is the best
way in the long run of keeping your system as you want it.

On the other hand, while waiting for Slackware to release x86_64, it
behooved me to try some other 64-bit distros. Probably the only one
that got more than a day was openSUSE-11.2. And what I found was that
these package managers would downgrade software, would replace some
software I'd already added, and generally do things I did not want.
Manually editing some config files was impossible; i.e., whenever I
would put my nameservers in /etc/resolv.conf, SUSE would not accept
that file and write/use some new file. There were so many things that
SUSE expected YaST2 to do. While in the #suse channel on FreeNode,
it surprised me how many guys had problems that were strictly because
of the package manager doing more, or changing things, other than the
person wanted. And I could not find out how to keep my bluetooth mouse
working across reboots. I had to run "hidd --search" every time I either
rebooted, or DPMS turned the monitor off. What a goofy situation, and
I found no one who knew how to change it.

For Slackware packages: if official Slackware has the software, I will
use that. If not, my next option is to check Alien Bob's repository. If
he doesn't have it, then I build it myself. There are other repos of
Slackware packages, but I do not trust them because from experience they
have SlackBuild scripts that are of inferior quality. I have never had
any bad scripts from Alien Bob; and when one did not do what I anticipated,
he has either told me why or added that function. Also, Alien Bob has now
created a web page where you can make a SlackBuild from his toolkit. You
would need to edit it slightly, sometimes, and then other times you can
use it just as it outputs the first time. Even using his template I always
run "./configure -help" on the source and edit the SlackBuild.

onebuck,

In your Slackware links wiki post, the link to ESR's
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way has an incorrect
link and points to a Wikipedia Netiquette article.

Hi,

Thanks Bruce! That's was an edit screw up by me. The links have been corrected.

Because Slackware acts like a real operating system should act. For me it is that simple. The first time I installed Slackware I was too stupid to realize that it is "as user friendly as a coiled rattlesnake" ... from the Vector Linux website. I just read and followed the instructions. Got used to using the command line and editing config files with a text editor. Would never attempt to run Linux without MC the Midnight Commander. Now I'm running 12.2 and one thing I really like is that it recognizes Atheros based wireless cards automagically without having to install alien packages. I use Alien Bob's makeinitrd shell script and Slackupdate shell script from Darklinux.

Slack does everything I need it to do. Looking forward to version 13.0 soon.

My blog: The Gypsy Chief Blog: http://kakoluri.com

hth,

The GNUinator

Hi,

This is just a reminder! :)

We have the best forum around. Generally the information available to you is possibly a
simple search >>> LQ Search <<<

So if you don't find your answer with a search of the knowledge source(s) here on LQ then post the query. Please be sure to include all information possible i.e.; System Info, distro, kernel, error messages, log messages and even your personal observations.

You need to remember the helpers here are not sitting behind you. Jeremy had us all send back the cracked crystal balls. The balls were giving us smoky looks or views that would not allow us to look clearly over your shoulder. :)

The next two links will aid;

Hi,

'Slackware 13 RC2';

'mirror-slackware-current.sh' is still the best way to get your '-current' ISO. Be sure to check your md5sum for the burnt ISO image since the download md5sum is already done for you.

Recently I found out that using md5sum against CD/DVD is not always reliable.

So far, when md5sum has failed, cmp has not.

Hi,
I haven't experienced a problem with 'md5sum' when done properly. Check out 'CdromMd5sumsAfterBurning'. What were you checking when the failure occurred? Padding error?

Hi,

Some confusion about Slackware 13.0 release from a lot of users that are not aware of what really is going on;

The above was a response to 'Hmm... Slack 13 is out?'.

Hi,

Great balls of fire!

'Slackware® 13.0' is official and you can read the release at Distrowatch.

I recommend that you use torrent downloads so we don't load Slackware® Home.

The torrents Page at Slackware® Home is a good place.

Torrents: Slackware® 13.0 is another source.

Slackware® 13.0 Mirror for ISO.

I've update the 'Slackware-Links'. More than just Slackware® links!


The long wait for Slackware® 13.0 was well worth it! Happy Slacking. :hattip:

Hi,

Well the dust is settling and the new release of Slackware® 13.0 x86_32/x86_64 seems to be getting smoother for all.

One problem that a lot of new users have is partly due too the creation of an account for a new user in that they fail to include user(s) in proper groups;
When adding a new user you can get the suggested groups by pressing the up-arrow at the prompt after 'users' group prompt at the additional groups prompt;

I've also noticed a lot of the new users fail to revert their '/etc/rc.d/rc.inet1.conf' and '/etc/wpa_supplicant.conf' files to the original state when they attempt to use 'wicd'. It should also be noted that 'wicd' KDE tool is very clumsy and not a reliable means too initially setup your access. I suggest that users should rely on the 'wicd-curses' to setup initially from a console. Sure a little more work but reliable.

Another potential error is that a lot of people fail to verify their copies of the ISO along with the media for the burnt image. Then claim to have errors at the fault of Slackware®. Guys the computer does as it's instructed to perform. If it's garbage in then garbage out. :) Test the ISO and Burnt Image to insure a valid copy. Don't A$$ume (A$$ u and me)! :) Don't just rely on the burner application to verify as these too can provide a potential problem.

Whenever posting to the forum please provide enough detail as to your problem along with supporting information to aid everyone in hopefully getting things resolved for you. A lot of our responses to new forum members is requesting information such as to the Distro/version, kernel used, hardware specification(s) along with any error or messages you may have received with your attempt.

Some helpers do request information that may seem critical, if so just xxx out anything that may seem a security risk. Keys are not necessary as long as they are valid for you. The response to a request like 'ifconfig -a' instead of just 'ifconfig' may seem redundant but it's not. The '-a' option shows you all devices that are recognized;
Meaning your device is there but not available when shown with 'ifconfig' alone. 'man' those commands!

PV and team have provided a lot of valuable information that everyone should read in the form of text files on the media;

Slackware® 13.0 Release Announcement
Slackware® 13.0 CHANGES_AND_HINTS.TXT
Slackware® 13.0 UPGRADE.TXT
Slackware® 13.0 README.TXT
Slackware® 13.0 HOWTO
Slackware® 13.0 usb-and-pxe-installers

Be sure to use the LQ search function as a lot of the problems most new users experience have solutions. The queries you get from your search may aid you in solving your problem. If not then the same results may aid you in defining a new thread/post.

Happily Slacking along instead of distro hopping! :hattip: ... :hattip:

Hi,

A heads up for 'Slackware® 13.0 x86_64' users that multilib;

Knowing Alien_Bob it won't be long for a fix. But use his work around for now.

I have fixed the bug and uploaded new packages: http://alien.slackbook.org/blog/no-m...ling-multilib/

Eric

Eric
Is there any need to re-run massconvert32.sh on the packages from 12.2 after this update of compat32-tools?

The packages found under multilib/slackware64-compat32 form the complete set of packages created by the massconvert32.sh script.

So, if you have downloaded and installed those, then there is no need to run the massconvert32.sh script.

Eric

Thanks, Eric, for the quick reply.
When I went multilib I used the -9alien compat32-tools to convert packages from my 12.2 DVD. I just wondered whether these would still be OK.

It would be better to use the "11alien" package and re-create those "-compat32" packages (or download them again from my website if you do not have a local 32-bit Slackware package tree).
I've made some changes to the "convertpkg-compat32" script - which does the actual conversion - and the resulting packages are cleaner.

It's not required though, as long as you re-installed Slackware's original hal/dbus/mysql packages and upgraded to the latest version of my compat32-tools package.

Eric

Yes, I've done that.

Right, I'll do that if any problems crop up.
Thanks again.

Hi,

I've been working with problems of my own with 'KDE 4.2' an stumbled on this thread to solve issues with a laptop.

For users that need to use their touchpad with 'synaptics' vertical scroll and double-tap you can look at 'synaptics touchpad settings in xorg.conf not persisting upon reboot' thread. Hope this aids you in setting things up properly. One thing, you don't have to unload/reload the mouse driver. Just exit your 'X' session then restart a session.

Don't make the same mistake as the OP with mistaking the <!-- and --> text comment tags (Red in sample);

Look at the 'man synaptics' for detailed information.

I use the xorg.conf to load alternative Xorg driver for Intel Mobile G45 chipset and synaptics touchpad. Seems to run without any problem.

Thanks for providing the links in Signature :)

But u gotta update the Linux Newbie Admin one.

Hi,
I thought that it had been corrected. It is now updated to a new site.

is there an install guide out for the new ver 13?

Hi,

Welcome to LQ!

I really haven't looked lately. The 'Slackware® Essentials' book was due out mid 2009 but then pushed back to late 2009. The installation is basically the same. Take a look at the above link then if you have any problems you can always post back here or create a new thread within the Slackware forums.

The next 'Slackware® Essentials' should be out soon. If your interested in listening to Alan Hicks interview.

Just a few links to aid you; :hattip:

Slackware® Essentials
Slackware® Basics
Linux Documentation Project
Rute Tutorial & Exposition
Linux Command Guide
Utimate Linux Newbie Guide
LinuxSelfHelp
Getting Started with Linux
Advanced Bash-Scripting Guide

These links and others can be found at 'Slackware-Links'. More than just Slackware® links!

The HOWTO?

Hi,

Yes, the Slackware-HOWTO is a good basic guide. I thought the poster would get a little more from the book.

Hi,

It's been raining and raining ....

So a new LQ 'Wiki'; 'Slackware® LQ Announcements/Additions/Fixes/HotList For Linux Slackers!' for Slacker's has been created. This wiki will be a central point for 'Slackware® Unofficial Announcement Repository'.

I need to 'Thank' cwizardone for his post, which got the old thoughts back out front for this issue of trailing the need to document some of the things that just don't appear or jump out at you. That is unless you happen to read a lot here on the Slackware LQ forum or just a doc addict.

I know that to spend time to weed through to find the jewel which will afford that special repair can become frustrating.

pwc101 and I have been working on this new wiki for a short while. As a wiki goes there's always room to improve and with this one we are still shaking things out. So please be patient as we work out some of the kinks.

I created another wiki page 'Slackware-Cellar' to avail the sharing of Slackware Test Beds/Benches/Experimental System Setups.

I'm sure someone is bound to say; 'What's the damn purpose?'.

As I said above it's a place to share your custom setups. I'm hoping that both will come to the aid of the Slackware community.

:hattip:

Hi,

I want too introduce a new member and the recent post by Josh; 'Slackware 13 - The Odyssey'. The writer is a newbie to Slackware Linux and wishes to share his experiences by writing a good thread about his introduction.

I wish to encourage Josh (aka jpcrow) to continue with the excellent writing style and the sharing of his experiences. To other members, if you haven't read the Thread then I suggest that you look it over.

To the newbie members, it's a great read!

:hattip:

Radeon KMS_post
 

Hi,

If you happen to have a 'ATI' graphics then you may find 'Radeon kms works!' a good reference and a possible solution to your problems with older cards.

You should be aware that not all users will be able to get those older 'ATI' units functional by using 'kms' but it's worth a try.

I'm still working on a laptop with issues. I have too get back on this just to get it off my mind. :)

The weather here has allowed or should I say availed me time away from my farm duties so I should get things resolved. Soon, I hope!

:hattip:

EDIT: Look at posts #13 & #16.

Edit2: Look at dri by ccwilson721 for additional info

So you want to play games on your Slackware Machine!
 

Hi,

I created a thread with hopes in getting some links for games the kids could use.

'Best Games for Slackware or GNU/Linux ??' has more than enough suggestions from fellow members here on LQ.

I don't have a need for 'WINE' but just want some cool games that will hold the kid's interest. Now, I'm off to get some of those installed.

BTW, I don't claim to be a 'Gamer'. Computer games just don't excite me. Now, gimme some football either Pro or College.

:hattip:

Heads up for Slackware 13 'ATI Xpress 200M' users.
 

Hi,

I'm getting closer to getting this little laptop functional. I work with 'X' but not a 'X'pert. The work on 2.6.32-rc5,vmlinuz-2.6.32-rc7 kernels to work with 'KMS' to attempt to get the 'libdrm', 'mesa' and 'xf86-video-ati' to work with this 'Dell 1501 (ATI Xpress 200M)'. It's been a nightmare. I do keep detailed notes in the 'system maintenance log' to provide the means to track or back track when necessary. No joy when using 'git'.

I shuffle configuration files when needed and edit to suit. But I failed to revert some items and configure files. There were some stale files left behind and my xorg-server was having problems.

'A Guide: Enabling 3D Acceleration in X11 post #671' is the start of the work and aid by adamk75.

Current glxinfo;

By the above it shows that 'Mesa DRI R300' is used but I thought the 'ATI Xpress 200M' uses the R400. I'm still investigating the driver issues since the problem is intermittent. Whenever it occurs on exit of 'X' the screen is rasterized, vertical scan lines along with dots. I have to do a TFS or blind re-boot.

Read the above referenced link.

Easier kernel configuration with 2.6.32
 

Hi,

'Release notes for Linux-2.6.32 @ kernelnewbies.org' plus the Slackware_LQ post: Easier kernel configuration with 2.6.32 .

I started playing with the 2.6.32 kernel a short while back to hopefully get the driver for my Dell laptop's video working. Still working on that and it is another post.

The use of the new kernel mods to allow the use of 'make localmodconfig' will aid those that want a easier method of kernel builds for their Slackware install.

There are too many improvements to list here so I suggest that you look at 'Linux 2 6 32';

:hattip:

Hi,

Happy New Year!

'Slackware (official) packages search site' has a FireFox Pluggin to aid you in finding that special package. Looks good & works.

:hattip:

Hi,

'Post 13.0 switch from hd* --> sd* in -current with 2.6.32+' is a FYI that everyone that is running '-current' should read . Plus from '-current changelog';

Be sure to read the HOWTO 'libata_switchover' by rworkman if you plan on using the updated kernel from '-current'.

:hattip:

Hi,

I've been working on my laptop to get things ready for the new Slackware 13.x release. 'Slackware x86_64 '-current' FireFox & Thunderbird issues with linking' post can be helpful to some who have the same issue.

Looking forward to the new Slackware Stable release. 'Slackware -current' is really fine & fast. It won't be to long now.

:hattip:

EDIT: Side Note; Akonadi can be a real pain. Look at 'Akonadi is "getting into my nerve".... :(' to get some quick relief.

Hi,

Heads UP; wicd-1.7.0;

From 'Slackware64 -current /extra/wicd-1.7.0' and 'slackware -current/extra/wicd-1.7.0'. For those of you that are still experiencing some issues with wicd.

:hattip:

Hi,

I suggest that a Slackware user should subscribe to the Slackware Linux Security list by contacting majordomo@slackware.com;

Thank, onebuck!

Hi,

Alien Bob has provided;

'KDE 4.4.0 packages and full instructions' for '-current'.

You might want to trail 'KDE 4.4.0 on Alien Bob's site' thread.

I smell a RC!

:hattip:

Great sticky!
 

Yesterday i downloaded Slackware and i thought tomorrow i go install it.Made a usb boot image and today after work i first installed Ubuntu along with Xp over Mandriva on my internal hard drive.I did that because i had a nice Ubuntu install on an externel hard drive wich i could not acces anymore after the Mandriva install.Now everything was ok to get start with Slackware.

Then i tried to start the installation with no succes.Changed the bootsettings to usb and i got a disk error.It works when i unplug my external drive but that was the place i wanted Slackwares install.Tried several usb port combinations but with no succes.

Then after reading this sticky i got a new idea :-)
I leave my computer for what it is now.Its running very well with the Ubuntu on my external drive and im not in a hurry to install Slackware.My new goal is to use Slackware as my major distribution and get in on my internal drive installed.

To be honest i am at a point now i can setup Ubuntu and configure it the way i want it to be in just a few hours.On this i think its better to start with the beginning and go on from there.Not skip the boring parts anymore but just go for every part i have to learn.Thats why this sticky is so perfect with all the links.

Linux will be a part of me i hope :-)

No questions (i need to ask) so far.

muggie.

Hi,

Welcome to LQ!

Glad this thread was of help.

Just a few links to aid you;

Slackware® Essentials
Slackware® Basics
Linux Documentation Project
Rute Tutorial & Exposition
Linux Command Guide
Utimate Linux Newbie Guide
LinuxSelfHelp
Getting Started with Linux
Advanced Bash-Scripting Guide
Linux Home Networking
Virtualiation- Top 10

:hattip:
The above links and others can be found at 'Slackware-Links'. More than just Slackware® links!

Be sure to drop by 'Slackware-Links' to get a lot more informational links.