Ok. So.

I've used Slackware as my main OS before, but it's been a few years. The past 3 months I've been running Xubuntu on a new heavy Lenovo (Core i7, 32gb ram, 512Gb SSD, 28" 4K monitor), with a Windows VM in VMWare for domain related stuff at work. With the new release of Slackware, and my general admiration for the OS, I want everyone to tell me why I'm stupid for using Ubuntu and why I should totally switch to back to Slackware. I do like the Slackware mentality of configuring everything for your own use, and don't mind installing software (which seems to be the complaint of a lot reviewers). But I also like a pretty looking desktop that impresses everyone =D I'm open to just about any DE, but historically have used KDE with Slackware. Looking for suggestions on what I should do. Any pitfalls I should lookout for when running Slackware on such a machine, anything I should plan for?

Thanks in advance guys!

Slackware makes clearly more fun
you might want to read the UEFI install instructions before installing it, 512 Gb SSD should give you enough options to run both OS ind dual boot, thought, if you want to remove Windows it should be also OK

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Well there is no need to dualboot at this point. Most everything is web/cloud based now, so Windows is not a necessity for day-to-day work. And with a VM of Windows 10, I can always just boot that up when necessary. I battled UEFI on a laptop (incidentally sitting on my desk) with Slackware last week. Finally got that figured out and functioning...

Sounds like you've answered your own question.

1 members found this post helpful.

Try one of the Slackware Live Editions on http://bear.alienbase.nl/mirrors/slackware-live/latest/ - they showcase different Desktop Environments / Window Managers: XFCE, MATE, KDE 4 and Plasma 5.
If you used KDE before it might be worth checking out Plasma 5 - it is not part of the core OS but can be installed through a 3rd party repository (mone). That ISO also contains XFCE as a desktop choice btw.

Running the live OS gives you the opportunity to check for any incompatibilities with your hardware before installing the actual OS.

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Slackware runs very nicely with i3wm, give it a shot (to visually impress people). Or try AlienBob's KDE 5.

For pure slackware pros... No systemd, incredible uptime, text config files, awesome community...

Awesome! I'll definitely give Plasma 5 a try on the crash'n burn laptop today. If it looks like something I want to run permanently, is there a link you can share with me that explains how to accomplish this?

One of the best aspects of Slackware is definitely the community. I love the ability to come and chat with you all, and get some great tips along the way. I feel like out of all of the Linux distros Slackware has the most down-to-earth people, yet are extremely helpful and most of the time pretty patient with perpetual n00bs like myself.

Feel free to keep more ideas flowing my way ;-)

Hello,

here, and there.

--
SeB

This......

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The

• disappointment that you have overcapitalised as Slackware only requires 4% of your disk space and 3% of your RAM to run successfully.

• realisation that Slackware makes little concession to the Redmond based operating systems.

• uncoolness of running an OS that does not indulge the latest fads.

• pomposity from the feeling of being in control.

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AB,

Very nice looking plasma desktop! I think this might be worth a shot. You've done great work once again.

Thanks!

I don't think anyone is stupid for using the distro of their choice. If Ubuntu meets your needs then stick with it. As you pointed out Slackware takes a bit more work to configure than Ubuntu, but, that brings satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment when you have control of your PC.
As Alien Bob pointed out using his live CD would help you to identify and avoid hardware incompatibilities with Slackware. I suggest that you back up your stuff and dive right in. I've been slacking since 2004(version 10.0) and I love it. Slackware is my choice.

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Well I've successfully installed 14.2 and then updated it to Plasma 5 on a crash-and-burn machine. Looks pretty good so far. I'll probably play with it some more and then when I have some free time I'll attempt this on my primary machine. A couple thoughts came to mind. I've got VMWare Workstation Pro, Spotify, and #Slack, loaded on my primary desktop (again this is in Xubuntu). Has anyone had experience with these on 14.2?

Thanks!

I'll load up #Slack tonight on my Slackware64 14.2 machine tonight and let you know.

Dunno about VMWare Workstation Pro. I've used libvirt from slackbuilds as well a docker without issue.

I wouldn't imagine you'd have any issues with VMWare, but I've never tested it. I use VirtualBox and intend on teaching myself kvm/qemu at some point.

Also, there's a SlackBuild for spotify on SBo.

As for Slack, I think I remember reading on here that someone got it working, but it isn't the easiest thing to search for Slack on Slackware...