Why do I keep coming back to Slackware?
 

Hi!

Today I felt like sharing my feelings about Slackware with you guys. I don't know whether you have had similar experience or not.

Have been using Slackware since Slackware 10, intermittently! I have tried Mandriva, Ubuntu, Fedora, Suse, Sabayon, etc. But my flirtations with these distros did not last long. I still have Mandriva and Ubuntu 9.04 installed on my laptop. Everytime, Ubuntu comes out with a new release, I upgrade to it and use it for about a fortnight. But each time I promptly jump back to Slackware. Sometimes I wonder why? Ubuntu is much more 'polished' than Slackware. The 'bells and whistles' just work out of box in Ubuntu. Package installation and system maintenance is so easy. Same cannot be said about Slackware. I have yet to get fglrx working on my laptop on Slackware, so no Compiz-Fusion. Font rendering in Firefox 3.5 leaves much to be desired. Getting squid to work took me a lot of time. Still there is this feeling of being at home in Slackware that is lacking in any of the above distros, that pulls me back to Slackware.

Besides, I found Slackware to be much more responsive than the rest I have tried. Somehow I have started liking the sbopkg method of install, though most of the new packages are missing here. Webmin takes care of maintenance. Moreover, my needs are few and Slackware meets them perfectly. And it give me an opportunity to learn how Linux actually works.

In the other distributions everything goes fine until you run into some situation that is not handled by the automated tools -- and at that point you are usually out of luck. Slackware requires manual configuration but since everything is put together in a very clear and transparent way, in any situation I can eventually figure out how to do what I want. I can customize my Slackware box to an extent that is not possible with most distros out there, and that could be the thing that gives the "at home" feeling.

Yes, I was the same in my distrohopping days. I got fed up with whatever else I tried, after maybe hours or days, and kept coming back to Slack.

Yes. I have had similar experiences. That is, I started with Slackware 10 and tried other distros. However, other versions of Linux make it difficult to trouble-shoot problems if GUIs stop functioning. Slackware has a simple, clear, logical design. Stability, security, and speed are Slackware hallmarks. I love Slackware.

As you can see from my signature, I'm an "old-timer" when it comes to Slackware.

But I have had my adventures with other distributions because of my work.
At a certain time I was more involved with Red Hat & later on Fedora. Later again with Debian.

But nothing has given me the feeling of "being in control" that Slackware has given me...

I've been using slackware only for the last 5-6 months but noticed a similar phenomenon, ie. I've stopped booting my computer into other systems. 3 reasons:
1. the hardware on my laptop was recognised out of the box (which can't be said of some other distros that I've used)
2. By far the most responsive distro I've used.
3. For the last 6 months I has crashed once or twice - in both cases it was actually firefox.

Forgot to mention the reason, it's as I've said in another thread: I get more incentive to learn and experiment from using Slackware than any of the other distros I've tried.

Although I'm looking forward to Slackware 13, I'll still keep 12.2 for some time.

Well... It's been a long time since I posted in these forums, or even logged in to check up on anything. This is because I've been using Xubuntu on my Linux boxes for a couple of years now. Until recently, it's worked like a dream: the package management is much simpler and, by and large, everything just works.

Then, a couple of months back, my main net-facing PC died and I was left using my laptop to access the net. It's an old IBM thinkpad; not particularly fast, but solid. There are times when Xubuntu makes it unusable: when it decides to update its package database info, usually at a completely random time, everything grinds to a halt. Which is the kind of stunt that made me turn away from Windows and look for alternatives in the first place; that attitude that says, "Stuff the user, what I need to do is far more important, so I'm doing it now and you can lump it, guv."

So, having bought a second-hand dual core rig, I've just installed WinXP (for some Windows-only applications) and Slack 12.2 as a dual-boot. I anticipate several weeks of pain while I get it configured, but damn, at least Slack does as it's told.

That about sums it up... :)

I recently started using 12.2 after a long hiatus. The last version I used was 1.01, and I used it for a long time since upgrading meant spending a lot of time copying floppies :)

Anyway Slackware and SLS were my formative experience in running a Linux box, so regardless of what new things come along, the model of Linux that exists in my head is still the old Slackware.

Lately the most popular distributions have evolved to a point where I don't know how to do anything with them. I think that's great because it means the young eager developers are energetic and are having a good time trying to improve things, but it can be frustrating sometimes trying to trace your way through things like network startup scripts if you need to do an odd customization.

So anyway after installing 12.2 I got nostalgic, dug out a very old (my first, in fact) Transameritech CD that had SLS 1.0 and Slack 1.01 on it, and installed a copy of it to QEMU. Impressively, it installed and ran just fine, and more impressively, some of the screens in the old 1.01 installer haven't changed much in the newest versions.

My answer to your question is then that you probably come back because its comfortable, and if you value being able to have some fun while screwing around with your computer (I use my slack machine in my job as a developer, but I still have fun with it), then it's all the more fun when you have a machine you're comfortable taking care of.

Yes, it is because of all the reasons stated above. But basically, it is the satisfaction one gets from using a Slackware system, much like riding a thoroughbred. Its Keep-It-Simple philosophy is what attracts me most.

I have used many Linux distros over the years (Red Hat, Fedora, Ubuntu, SuSE, etc.). In the end, I always end up going back to Slackware. I have to find a distro that runs so fast compared to Slackware. Granted that the definition of "fast" can be debated. I still have a P3 1.0Ghz PC, and Slackware just works so much better than anything else that I have put in. I recently compiled a custom kernel on it and it's even faster!!

The biggest reason why I use Slackware is the great group of people maintaining the distro. Slackware releases are consistently reliable, complete and bring new but proven features with them. I've also noticed that the folks involved in Slackware get along pretty well without the kind of infighting and other problems of other distros.

The SlackBook and a consistent attention to providing useful information has also sold me on Slackware. I'm looking forward to future versions of the SlackBook and I often recommend it to people trying to learn about Linux.

Two of my computers use "fake hardware RAID" and I found Slackware to be much easier to install on those than other distros. The Setup in Slackware manages to be easy to use without getting in the way of a knowledgeable user.

Slackware is the "hands on" distro that I always recommend to people who want to learn about Linux along with using it. You don't have to be an expert in Linux minutia to install Slackware but you can still make changes and learn about Linux. I've never understood why a distro that's difficult to install is automatically a distro for "geeks". I think Slackware is a distro that "geeks" can truly love because of the obvious software expertise that goes into providing something that installs easily, works great and remians accessible to technically experienced users.

The reasons for my loyalty are varied. Initially it stemmed from a familiarity and fondness for the SysV init and directory structure and an ingrained need to get up close and personal with my operating system, but since then it has grown to include gratitude for the stability and robustness of the distribution, its flexibility (I use it in many ways: web and data servers, desktops, embedded systems, and development platforms, etc.), and of course the community support and enthusiasm. Patrick and the rest of the development/contribution team (and all folks here) deserve high praise.

Simple simplicity.
 

Have only been using slackware since Slackware 11. It was my first succesful linux install (testy times, new nothing about linux and had to overcome a rather LARGE learning curve).

Once I learned the basics of setting up Slackware, I tried other distro's... only problem with many other distro's was when I encountered a problem I found poor or non-existant documentation and I'm not even going into the upgrade or install errors when package managers crashed and became completely useless SOMEWHERE in the middle of about 100 packages. And when I was able to fix a problem, it was with troubleshooting techniques learned using Slackware or Gentoo.

Every distro except Slackware(and Gentoo and LFS ;) ) keep succesively getting deleted off my system. The slackware community is A+, Slackware documentation is A+ all with real human usable information.

The reasons I keep coming back to Slackware are:

1) Fast

2) Extremely customizable

3) Knowing that setting up the next version will be the nearly identical to the previous ones barring new features (ROCK ON KISS)

3) Properly configured stable,stable,stable. and did I mention Stable :D

4) Documentation and help everywhere I look, detailed help files, never forgotten man, slackbook and this linuxquestions.org.

5) Do not want to re-install everytime there is a problem (I've lost, that winblows feeling)

6) I know and understand how this system is set up and it does exactly what I want and nothing more.

I use it because it works!!! Just played with Sabayon 4.2 Gnome recently and it didn't stay on my box for more than 2 days. I distro hope quite a bit but nothing out there can touch Slackware in regards to LEARNING and have the PC/Laptop do exactly what you want it to do.

For those who say there is not package management, you're the package management!!

Started with linux in 2004...Slackware about 8 -9 months ago. It was a natural evolution. Started with the fully "ootb" gui oriented distros where I did learn much about linux..considering I new nothing before. Now that I have more knowledge, Slackware is the only way to go imo...distro hopped for some time but always recently came directly "back to slack"..solid, transparent, stable and keeps me avidly growing as a user:)

Everything you guys said earlier is so true :P
I've been using Slackware since 9.1. My first installation went so mindbogglingly wrong that it felt like getting punched straight into my face. I was used to SuSE Linux before and was really surprised because in SuSE everything worked out of the box and here, after a Slackware install, there was not even a graphical environment! Helpless I switched off the machine and thought: "PHA! Fuck off!" ... But after reading the installation instructions from the Slackware page I gave it another try and faced a clear and beautiful environment, ready to do everything I want. That was my first "Home, sweet home"-memory.

I tried many distros in the meantime. The only one I could eventually start loving is ArchLinux. But not even that feels as "right" as Slackware. Ubuntu ... nay ... too easy ... Debian ... nnnnaaaayy ... don't want to ... SuSE ... no thanks ...

Just my 2 cents.

I feel "dirty or unfaithful" when I distro hop..............

Join Distrohoppers Anonymous. :)

Of which I'm the president!

If I join DHA do I have to try 12 distros?

No, six will be enough.

Do we have to go if we keep deleting other distro's (other than slack ;) ), or is that considered being cured at the same time? :D

I use Slackware because I am in control (or at least I am under the impression I am under control :p). I began with Slackware 11.0 back in 2006 and while the learning curve was steep, once you know it and have a base routine for when you install things become a lot easier. So far I have dabbled in Cent OS and Kubuntu and Cent OS isn't bad but it can be slow and some of the configuration options are interesting. Kubuntu, one thing and this is a show stopper for me. Cannot compile from source. So i happily chug a long with Slackware on 5 machines and everyone one of them just works.

Yeah, to echo other fanbois, more power to the people! That's what I like about Slackware. I can build packages easily, compile the kernel easily, don't have a million package dependencies for every package, etc. No downloading 100MB worth of stuff just to have a decent build environment. No sudo crap.

My last distro hop lol
 

Was playing with a debian install last week to check it out and to play with their gnome.

Installed Debian (default gnome install obviously), installed NVIDIA drivers the Debian Way (worked perfectly), rebooted, ran automatic updates, rebooted again and ended up with a gnome desktop with a completely functional KDE 4 panel at the bottom after the updates (don't worry, not looking for a fix, and no clue how this is even possible lol). I never opened any package manager (except for the automatic updates and no I didn't look :D), rebooted, and the gnome panel executable was missing. KDE 4 menu bar worked great though lol.

I then proceeded to install xfce. The trash can had files in it on the first run that I could not delete (fresh install, first run, I had not deleted anything yet). Other than that, Xfce worked great though lol.

Now I find myself rebooted Slackware 12.0 (yes I know :redface:, will update when I have a problem ;)), ran mkfs to free up 120gigs, and happily slacking again.

Sorry, I could not resist sharing this one and this is another reason I Slack.

The nice thing about Slackware is that things are usually done in a very simple, transparent manner. A good example is changing the default runlevel. All you do is edit a number! :)

Here's my Debian rant...
 

I don't know how relevant this was to the question at hand, but I felt like ranting...

http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...3/#post3603730

I'm close to reaching the quota for distro hoppers anonymous...Suse, Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Debian. Is 4 good enough, or do I need to come back after I've had 6 under my belt :D

I think you've got to try other distros, otherwise how can you appreciate how good Slack is? Distrohopping is only a bad thing if you feel compelled to try out every new distro or every release of an existing distro that comes out. Then you need Distrohoppers Anonymous. :)

I freely admit to being a DH for years, but I am in active recovery now. I am down to only three (Ubuntu 'cause I just can't seem to get video editing in Slack, and Fedora because I have a soft spot for it.) Slack has been my main workhorse now for almost two years. Not even tempted to fall off the wagon with another distro now. Guess you have to go through all twelve steps to finally see the light.

Bob

Oh, and it does help when you have the best forum anywhere on the net for any distro to turn to...

The only one I've been tempted to try lately is Arch Linux, but then I read that they always use cutting-edge packages that aren't always well-tested. I prefer Slackware's stability.

Might be off topic , but i honestly can't even imagine how some people are able to run 3-4 distributions at the same time. It's too confusing.

Well, sometimes you have no choice... If you work at a place with several servers with different distros, or have several clients with different preferences... :(
But at home I only use Slackware!

I also use FreeBSD at home; it does feel Slackware-like. But, I prefer Slackware. Slackware is and always will be my primary OS.

Well, I mentioned in my post that they were all three for different purposes. Ubuntu for video editing, Fedora because I am interested in its progress, and Slack for everything else.

I also have two cars, two houses, six pairs of shoes, about a dozen power tools, five computers and three TV's. I don't feel a bit confused.

Just keep to one partner - it keeps life simple :D

And less expensive;-)

Definitely. Not that I have any experience in this field, of course... :p

Ha-ha, nor I. My present wife is expensive enough without further complications. :)

... and the complexity level is sufficient as it is...

I wrote this summary on the Linux Outlaws forum. My distrohopping philosophy is to have a running Slackware-Stable partition and using other partitions for testing.

"But Slackware does have som elegant and simpler solutions - the way a bow and arrow are simpler than a gun; you can't just point and click, but those who know what they are doing can get the job done very efficiently without the damned thing suddenly blowing up in your face."


I like that. A lot.

You even found my typo, which is now eradicated.

Hey, I am close to being a DHA member. RH, Fedora, Mandriva, Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Sabayon, Caldera(long time back), Vector Linux, besides Slackware. :-)

My distro hopping experience
 

This all may change with Slackware 13. Currently I am on current. X is a major upgrade and just works for me. I also stopped recompiling font related packages some time ago since the default rendering became really good (to my taste and monitor).

I really care about only few programs and Slackware allows to have the latest with reasonable effort. The rest should just not be too old to make me happy. Few weeks ago I decided to use an idling free partition to check if some other distro is better. So, I visited Distrowatch and was shocked. Every major distro had something fundamental so outdated that it made no sense to even look at other features, even Ubuntu. I found exactly one candidate for distro hopping - Arch Linux.

Arch installed and worked well, but the package management failed to track some dependencies (most amazingly Firefox did not start without manual installation of a minor package, I do not remember what it was) and pacman itself was not very stable. Finally I concluded that if something happens to Slackware then I can switch to Arch and extended the Slackware partition.

Why Slackware? I guess because there are no show stoppers and the set of features is consistent so that there are many people who like it.

I want to be DHA. BUT after slack I don't know where to hop.

ha ha ha ha

Amen! I am keeping my fingers crossed. Because, my ATI Radeon Xpress 1100 appears to be outdated.

I've been using Linux distros for ten years. I began using Slackware and FreeBSD in '02 and stayed with them until Ubuntu came on the scene.

In the last year I've test-driven Debian Lenny, openSUSE, Fedora, Mandriva, Mint and PCLOS. Not one stayed on my hd for more than two days. I remained unsatisfied. It was more than gui deep somehow.

Finally I moved back to FreeBSD when 7.0 was released. Two weeks ago I decided to revisit Slackware with 12.2 on my backup hard drive. My laptop -- a three-year-old inexpensive Acer Aspire 3620 -- works beautifully.

Slackware is comfortable...I like knowing that automatic updates aren't thrown at me all of the time, and that the power to change anything about the system resides with me and no one else.

After four years of Ubuntu, I appreciate Slackware even more than the first time. There's something about coming back to a system you learned so much from, and that it's still so familiar after having been away so long, that you can't help but feel at home again.