Hi guys, i've been debating for about a week now about which linux distro/freebsd to install as my primary os. After long consideration i've chosen slack. I tried it today, and much to my surprise, it wasn't hard at all to install, contrary to what i've heard. I already have a dvd that came with a magazine i bought the other week, it's version 13.1. My version is not the up to date version. I hate downloading new linux distros as thay're huge on my limited gb allowance. I wanted to know if you guys think i should go with 13.1 or bite the bullet and get the new version?

If you don't need the newest software there is no problem to use 13.1. It will be supported for a few years.

Pat still continue to support older versions of Slackware. You can still use 13.1 even though there is already 13.37 (in my case i use 13.1 in my laptop and 13.37 in my desktop).

Bite the bullet.

Hi,

Since you have limited Internet access and you do have the 13.1 on hand then install that. You can use it to get acquainted with the oldest and best Gnu/Linux there is. Not everyone jumps to the newest release right away. I do have machines that are running older releases and will remain that way: If it ain't broke don't fix it!

Sure 13.37 has many advantages but 13.1 will allow you to get on board until you get 13.37. If you do decide that Slackware is for you then go to The Slackware® Store to purchase a set of choice. You will be supporting Slackware and getting the distribution without loading your Internet.

One other source of access for you would be to go to a local library, University Library computer lab or if you have a laptop then free wireless access(legal) at coffee shops or wherever.

Either way you decide, I hope you will enjoy the wonder and simplicity of Slackware.

Do you have any friends with unlimited access?

Don't feel pressured into updating to the latest release. I am using 13.1 on my office machine and I use 12.2 on my home theater PC (HTPC). I will keep 12.2 on my HTPC for a long time because that computer is used an appliance. That is, the system works the way I want and updating is not going to change the nature of my usage or needs.

Pat has a pleasant history of supporting security patches for previous releases for a long time. Don't worry that 13.1 is going to be "obsolete" any time soon.

As a side note, I have Slackware 11.0 installed on an old 486 machine. I power up the machine maybe two times a year, but that release remains supported with security patches.

If you still want to update to 13.37, consider finding a "broadband buddy" who has a less restrictive monthly cap and will download the ISO image and burn a disk for you. A "broadband buddy" helped me before I had a broadband connection. I might still be asking that person to help if I did not have a "gentleman's agreement" with the local mom-and-pop ISP owner that as long as I perform large downloads during non-peak hours he will look the other way with respect to monthly cap limits.

thanks guys. right, i think i will go with 13.37, i'll either buy it from the store or i'll have to get out ye old prepaid usb broadband stick.

I thoroughly agree for someone with an existing installation.. but if someone's doing a fresh install I would always like to see them on the latest version.

Hi,

Why? Care to expand on the reasoning?

I can think of a few advantages of starting off with the latest version:
- the latest version has the most support
- the latest version is more likely to be able to cope with third party software
- It is easier to keep the OS modern should you choose to.

That said, there is nothing wrong with installing 13.1 and upgrading later to 13.37 when it is more convenient to acquire the iso's.