I am thinking about using slackware as a server

How should I secure it and what firewall software should i use

I heard of swaret a too for updating slackware
Is it part of slackware 9.1. Is this the best way to keep slackware up to date

Is their a way to install software without having to worry about dependencies

Is their anything being developed to help install software on slackware

I am asking all these questions because I love slackware but i use gentoo most of the time becase it has a good tool for installing software. I would use Slackware all the time if it was easy to install software.

I am new to Slackware so any advice would be great

I'm pretty much a newbie (I can usually figure things out, but can't always get them to work), but I like Slack 9.1 better than SuSE and RH.

No idea about the firewall - there are probably a few out there - what about a Linksys hardware firewall/NAT? Probably the easiest and lets you share that DSL/cable Internet connection.

Slack 9.1 has a pretty decent installer - it's no Yast, but it gets the job done.

Swaret works well, but it's not as bright about dependencies etc as Red Hat package manager.

Swaret is a good program to use because it will solve dependencies for you. The installation is a bit difficult for me but I am sure there is a better way to install the program. But I like it I use it a little.

Check out linuxpackages.net for Slackware stuff. Guarddog is there and is a great firewall. Webmin is good to have and has firewall components.