In Distrowatch.com, on the Slackware page, there is a column that reads "current" as if it were a new version of Slackware after 13.37. Is this still 13.37 with updated pakages? Where can i get this "current" version? On the row called Free Download, it has a link called TGZ. It takes me to slackware.com getslack section. this is the same place that I got 13.37 last summer. If I download from here, will it be the "current" version with the packages listed in distrowatch or will it be the same slackware that I got before?

http://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=slackware

Sorry if this is a dumb question, I'm new to the Linux world and have lots to learn..

thanks!

Easy, backup your config-files and switch to a -current mirror in /etc/slackpkg. Run as root:
slackpkg update
slackpkg install-new
slackpkg upgrade-all
slackpkg clean-system

Edit:
Eric is right of course, -current can occasionally break your system...

Whoa! Ease down!
Slackware "-current" is a development version of Slackware, where we are working towards the next stable release. Which means, that if you decide to install and use slackware-current you are essentially a beta-tester. Things can break with the next upgrade and we expect that you are able to resolve the issue. We also hope you will report your fixes for the bugs you encountered. Don't bother mailing us with "you broke my system".

If you like a stable computer then stick with one of the stable Slackware releases (13.37 being the most recent one).

However, if you enjoy a solid but very up-to-date distro and are not scared off by my initial warning, then using slackware-current is usually a rewarding experience. Not for the Slackware novice!

Eric

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thank you for clearing that up. so about how long does it take for a new stable version to come out? cant wait!

The standard reply to this question would be: When it's ready.

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Other linux distros have a set release schedule.

Slackware follows a more sane approach, that is, applications are added to the development branch (slackware-current) and after a period of thorough testing Mr. Volkerding releases a new stable version of Slackware (14.0?) when it meets his standard of excellence. A release may come six months to a year after the previous stable version. Slackware does not have a set release schedule.

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"Current" is more of a release candidate than beta level of stability (and better that Ubuntu release on day 1 for me)
Fine for desktops but not for a server.

I was stuck on Slackware 8 for the longest time. I see myself staying with 13.37 through several releases, as well. If you get 13.37 running and everything works, why move away from it?

-JJ

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Well, I will be building my first computer as soon as I get my tax return and wanted to put a new OS on it. I have 13.37 32-bit on my old compaq pc from 2005. Its my "learning linux" computer. I really like 13.37. I dont want to move from it, but I thought maybe there a was new version of slack for my new computer.

You should not worry about new versions, patches and updates are being released for past versions up to 8.1 I think. So even after the next stable version of Slack comes out, you will not be _forced_ to upgrade. It's all up to you to decide.
Have fun. You'll love Slackware.

If you decide to do -current, I would suggest reading the changelogs carefully. There are sometimes notes that would eliminate some heart break if they were only read by the slackpkg, slapt-get, swaret, users...