Newbie user - Slackware 14 is OK for us!
 

I just wanted to make a note about Slackware 14.

It’s usable.

I mention this as I am a newbie to both Linux and Slackware. I tried Slackware two years ago in the old country and ended up sitting in a corner sucking my thumb. It wasn’t so much an operating system so much as a C development environment. (It didn’t help that the Linux users I knew could only talk about their wonder kernel and nothing about the real world!) I dropped Linux like a brick!

Various reasons have pushed me back to Linux – not least Microsoft’s new licencing software which guarentees a) lots of cracked pirated versions of their software and b) people like me leaving Microsoft never to return.

I tried Kubuntu on the basis it seemed to be some kind of ‘standard’ and meant to be easy to use. Which it was as long as you were connected to the internet. Again, for various reasons, the new netbook was going to be firmly OFFLINE! Kubuntu is unusable offline. In fact, almost every version of Linux it seems depends on internet access.
Ouch! I was reduced to trying Slackware 14 which I KNEW contained all the compilers, dependencies, compression tools, etc to have a hope of installing S/W. Proof: I installed Libreoffice happily using pre-existing tools from an RPM package. It wasn’t difficult when I had some clue what to do! Kubuntu’s solution was only to go online and have the OS do everything for me. But I wanted to learn Linux as well as run apps. Kunbutu rsther prevented that and felt more like a web browser to me than a real operating system. Conversely, previously, Slackware required me to learn the OS in fine detail before I could do anything.

Well, I have been able to play FLV file, MP4 files, read PDF files – all to my astonishment- using software out of the box in KDE. OK, the tools supplied in Slackware 14 are rather KDEcentric but it’s something. Hey, you can now create users using the utility in ‘system’ that I missed for ages. It was agony working through the sparten CLI commands.

Also, KDE runs better in Slackware than Kubuntu. The tools supplied are better but also, my trackpad works properly. Oddly enough, because Slackware treats the trackpad as a mouse it works. In Kunbuntu the pointer veers across the screen at the slightest touch and changing settings could not calm it! It was far too sensitive. Now it’s normal in Slackware.

Result? I am a newbie but I am no longer intimidated by the OS. Because I can get things done I can learn as I work - and Slackware lends itself to learning - I am actually learning and achieving things, yes, at the CLI level, rather than banging my head against a wall.

Some stalwarts I bet are grieved that version 14 takes such a step towards being usable by the beginner - there always are – but I applaud Slackware. Version 14 has brought me in from the cold and it’s the only usable version of Linux I can run offline. So, good news! Now starters can get into a ‘real’ version’ of Linux without having to start by taking a masters in system administration!

So, for those considering risking Slackware but are nervous given it's fiercesome reputation... try version 14. After boot just type in ‘startx’ and try stuff. It’s worth it. Slackware is nothing like as scary as before and KDE recognises plug and play devices now! For me, it’s easier than Kubuntu!

I have emailed Slackware and thanked them for making the OS usable offline and easier for people like me. Keep it slack and keep it (potentially) offline!

(And trust nme, I'm still in shock!)

I second your remarks! I've been using Slackware 14.0 for a month or so now, and for the most part it has been a joy to learn and use, and not too terribly difficult. I admit, there are a couple of things I need to figure out still. I messed with the /etc/rc.d/rc.inet1.conf file and now the system only connects when I start up KDE. And there is really a lot of "bloatware" that came with KDE that I'd like to remove. It's nice that KDE offers a lot of utilities, but I really don't like some of them. Still, that's not a Slackware negative. Slackware itself is running very well, and though there are other great distros out there, Slackware is the one I find myself using almost all the time. They really are doing good work! I'm glad you wrote your post.

>I'm glad you wrote your post.

Thanks. If we don;t give Slackware positve feedback they won't know if they're doing the right thing. Slackware have taken (arguably) something os a risk by stepping away from their hardcore base to make the OS more accessible to the rest of us.

I am willing to bet they got flack for it. So worth standing up for the new approach. I don't want Slackware to go all Unbuntu and pair down the OS to KDE and a browser, but they have opened up Linux - proper Linux - for the rest of us non-C programmers at last.

That's worth mentioning to people!

Member Response
 

Hi,

Welcome to LQ!
I really do not think PV & Team have stepped away from anything. Just evolving using their original philosophy. Care to elaborate or expand your meaning a bit?

What new approach? I have been using Slack since PV started the release. Sure many improvements over the years but still adhereing to their philosophy;No way will Slackware go the way of a *buntu nor pare down. Slackware has been appealing to more users over time. Once you Slack, you will never turn back! :) Especially when you learn to use the Gnu/Linux and the utility to the user base. Never a hold your hand distribution will Slackware be. :)

This sentence deserves to become Slackware's motto. :hattip:

As I stated in a different context: those who prefer to do it manually are not necessarily a bunch of wankers.

After 15+ years, the only way I'll give up Slackware is if they pry it from my cold, dead fingers.

That is awesome. :)

onebuck, I've graven it in the signature, hope it's ok for you ;)

nice :D

Whoa! Careful here!

I am not saying that Slack are going to do a *buntu - but I figured some would fear that.

But what I am saying is that version 14 does not enable newbies to be productive earlier on than they used to be. I am hoping some considering slackware will read my comments and be encouraged to try.

Let's be encouraging. I don;t think slack are going to jump to become a *buntu but I do thik both slack and newbies should be encouraged which was the point of my post.

Good to hear real slackers aren't concerned with the changes. That's good. But let's keep things encouraging for the nervous. Slackware has a heady reputation which I do not think is so deserved now. Not to say you don;t learn real things with slackware 14 - you do and I am... but let's help bring new users in from the cold.

Its the next ubuntu :)
We can call it slubuntu and start posting stuff like "Emergency!!! My Slubuntu doesn't like me anymore. Help!!"


Seriously tho, its great to hear about the positive experience of a new user, welcome :)

Yoda-speak a motto in. Geeky enough Slackers as if are not. hmm!

:)

Member Response
 

Hi,
Fear what? Seasoned Slackware users do realize what is going on in the Gnu/Linux community and do understand where Slackware stands.

I see no problem here. Most newbies will either continue to learn or stop when the hill starts to incline. Little effort will produce no gain. Not saying Slackware places any blocks but that this Gnu/Linux is stable because you as a user should be aware of the energies necessary to continue in that fashion to enable the use.

Agree we should be encouraging by making new users aware of the necessary efforts and background knowledge or information to help that new Slackware user become proficient.
Slackware is evolving but sticking to PV's philosophy. Slackware does not have a heady (2) rep yet a reputation for being a stable Gnu/Linux that requires the user to understand the intrinsic works of the OS. You are not the first to feel this way! That is why we have the Slackware forum with good solid users to help members who may have issues. Look how our members created and evolve the new Slackware Doc Project. Both seasoned and newbie Slackware users continue to contribute to the project. Long over due! The Slackware community does invite new users and help them to understand functionality and help to polish things so they can learn. Just a few great quotes that are applicable: Slack On! :jawa:

Member Response
 

Hi,
Glad you like that sentence. No problem if you want to use it;